Alzheimer's Society comment on research suggesting that people with Alzheimer's disease ‘have a greater memory than was previously thought'

It's important to communicate with people with dementia in ways that make it easy for them to respond. This includes using short sentences, clear language and providing people with the opportunity to respond non-verbally as well.

This research is also a timely reminder of the importance of presuming people with dementia have mental capacity unless it can be proven otherwise.

Clive Evers
Director of Knowledge Management
Alzheimer's Society

ENDS

Reference:
Harley, Trevor A., Jessiman, Lesley J., MacAndrew, Siobhan B. G. and Astell, Arlene (2007) 'I don't know what I know: Evidence of preserved semantic knowledge but impaired metalinguistic knowledge in adults with probable Alzheimer's disease ', Aphasiology, 22:3, 321 - 335

Notes to editors:

• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia.  This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk. 
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336

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