Alzheimer's Society criticises health minister's dementia claims

The comments were made in a Panorama documentary called 'Fighting for Care' (broadcast 18 July 2004). The programme followed the battles fought by carers of people in the final stages of dementia when attempting to secure fully funded NHS continuing care. Most callers to the Society were incensed by what they had heard from the health minister.

Pauline from Jersey rang to say:

'I am so angry. If he (Stephen Ladyman) had ever had a spouse with dementia he would understand what carers are up against. My husband Bob had Alzheimer's disease and died when he was 80. There was no question of recovery.'

Linda from the New Forest echoed her feelings:

'I was outraged by the health minister's comments. He showed a total lack of sensitivity and awareness about what carers and people with dementia experience. Contrary to his claims, people with Alzheimer's disease do not get better.'

The Alzheimer's Society was also concerned by Dr Ladyman's comments about the national guidance on eligibility criteria for NHS continuing care. Despite repeated calls by the health ombudsman for clearer guidance, the application process for continuing care remains highly complex and confusing. However, Dr Ladyman refuses to acknowledge the bureaucratic policy nightmare on NHS continuing care, which even lawyers can barely understand, let alone carers.

Speaking to Panorama he maintained his belief that the system works:

'It is easy to understand. Have a look at the central guidance. There is nothing in it which is not understandable.'

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

'The evidence against this claim was clear for all to see in the accounts given by the carers featured in the programme. The care needs of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias are the result of a physical disease of the brain for which there is currently no cure. Yet we continue to hear of families across the country being forced to pay for care which should be available to them free on the NHS; care that is vital for survival and quality of life. It is one of the clearest examples of discrimination in the NHS.'

Notes for editors

• 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.
• The Alzheimer's Society was recently announced the Medical Journalists' Association Medical Charity of the Year for 2004. The Alzheimer's Society is the first organisation to win this award.
• 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/