You and Yours tackles dementia in month long special

Every day in November the Radio 4 programme has explored a different issue that affects the millions of people affected by dementia in the UK. Members of the Alzheimer's Society have shared their experiences of living with dementia, or caring for someone with dementia, whilst the Society's experts have been interviewed on issues from challenging behaviour and drug treatments to paying for care.

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

'We are delighted that You and Yours chose to explore the issue of dementia in a month long special. All too often the media avoids exploring the reality of living with long term health conditions such as dementia and it is refreshing to see You and Yours covering the issue in more depth. There are 750,000 people with dementia in the UK, it is something that affects most people in some way during their lives, so it is important for programmes such as You and Yours to raise awareness of the condition.'

Keith Turner, a person with dementia from Hastings who took part in the programme, said,

'I was pleased to take part in the You and Yours dementia special. So many people are afraid of the word Alzheimer's and I wanted to show what is really like to live with the disease. I really enjoyed the experience and hope that I helped to raise awareness of living with dementia.'

The You and Yours' dementia special runs from Monday 7 November to Wednesday 30 November 2005.

For further information, contact the Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• Please call the press office to arrange an interview with people with dementia and their carers involved with the You and Yours special.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.
• NICE - the campaign continues. On 1 March 2005 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence issued draft guidance stating that drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease should be withdrawn from the NHS because of cost. The Alzheimer's Society is campaigning tirelessly to change this guidance to ensure drug treatments that work are available to those who need them.
• 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/.