Ambassador Fiona Phillips investigates dementia care for Dispatches

Fiona meets Alzheimer's Society media volunteers and visits services as she shares her story with dementia.

The number of people with dementia is projected to rise from 700,000 to over 1 million by 2025 and 1.7 million by 2051.  Fiona investigates whether financial support and respite care for those looking after them, is adequate.  And with numbers set to increase, is the government prepared to cope?

Fiona's father has Alzheimer's and her mother died after developing an early-onset form of the disease.  As Fiona faces her own dilemma about the care of her father, she talks to families around the country about the difficulties they have faced in obtaining help, from both the NHS and local authorities.  

Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Fiona Phillips says,

'I know first hand the devastating impact Alzheimer's has for both sufferers and their families.  Many carers make big sacrifices of jobs, free time and family life to look after their loved ones.  But are we doing enough to support them?'

Andrew Ketteringham, Director of External Affairs, Alzheimer's Society says,

'Dementia is a devastating condition which robs people of their lives. This programme is a powerful look at what many people like Fiona go through as they battle the condition, meeting many challenges along the way. Alzheimer's Society, the leading charity for people with dementia and carers, supports many people just like those in Fiona's family. While our services touch the lives of millions of people much more still needs to be done. People need better support to enable them to live well with dementia but sadly this is seldom the case.'

Dorothy Byrne, Channel 4's Head of News and Current Affairs says,

'This Dispatches investigation will reveal the terrible plight of the many thousands of families in the UK, like Fiona's, struggling to look after relatives suffering from Alzheimer's.'

Dispatches: My family and Alzheimer's will broadcast on Monday, 11 January 2009 at 8pm.  

Ends

For further information please visit alzheimers.org.uk/dispatches.

Notes to editors

 

• My family and Alzheimer's will be shown on Channel 4 at 8pm on Monday 11 January 2010.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 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.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them. 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk