Royal party celebrates After Dementia Millennium Awards

HRH Princess Alexandra, who is patron of the Alzheimer's Society, was guest of honour at a special lunch to celebrate the After Dementia Millennium Awards (ADMA) at the Cafe Royal in central London.

The scheme was run by the Alzheimer's Society in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia and Carers UK and was funded by the Millennium Commission with money from the National Lottery. Its aim was to enable carers who had looked after a loved one with dementia, to rebuild their lives, their confidence and their social networks.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says:

'We were delighted that HRH Princess Alexandra could attend such an important event for so many people. Caring for a person with dementia can be an extremely isolating experience and returning to 'normal life' once this all-consuming experience has come to an end can be very difficult. Thanks to the After Dementia Millennium Award scheme 260 former carers have been given the opportunity to rebuild their lives as well as the chance to take up old hobbies once more and to discover new talents and interests.'

The projects ranged from support groups organising outings, talks or monthly get-togethers to more unusual activities such as morris and maypole dancing classes, a roving slide show of Sheffield and an illustrated account of the history of lawn tennis.

Photograph of HRH Princess Alexandra meeting Award winners attached. For further images of the event or case study information of Award winners from your area please contact the press office.

Notes for editors

• The ADMA scheme was launched in September 2001 and will in end in June 2004.
• One hundred and thirty projects involving 260 individuals received an Award, with a total value of £820,000.
• Individuals could apply for between £2,000 and £4,000 and a group for up to £10,000.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
• Our website address is: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.