It's time to tune in not tune out

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

'Dementia affects 1 in 5 people over the age of 80 and yet it is still low down on the government's list of priorities. This programme tackles the reality of a debilitating disease, which affects over 750, 000 people in the UK. When families have to make decisions about long term care it is often one of the most difficult decisions they have ever made. The government needs to show it cares. Viewers can put Alzheimer's back on the government's agenda by contacting their MP and local Alzheimer's Society branch about how they can help.

The documentary will be followed by a powerful debate on the Community Channel where a panel of experts, led by Jon Snow, will discuss how we can bring about a change in the way society views older people.'

Caroline White, panel member and director of services for the Alzheimer's Society says,

'The programme looks powerfully at an issue which will eventually affect many of us. As a society we need to address the problems of long term care for older people.

By lobbying the government to improve funding and services for people with dementia we will ensure they have a better quality of life. For too long there has been a conspiracy of silence around of how we care for the older generation. The programme and the debate are a wake up call that the time to act is now.'

For press enquiries, contact the Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• The Trouble with Older People, the Channel 4 website on the series.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.
• 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 the age of 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/.