Mott The Hoople drummer speaks about his dementia for the first time

Dale Griffin is supporting Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Awareness Week™ which is taking place 4 to 10 July. Formed in 1969, Mott The Hoople's biggest hit came in 1972 with the release of 'All the Young Dudes', a song written by David Bowie. The song reached number three in the charts. 

Dale, 60, says,

'I used to be fearless, but Alzheimer's has stopped me in my tracks. It is my dreadful little bug and I have to fight to keep it from controlling me. Alzheimer's has prevented me from doing a lot of the things I love - like reading and writing - but I try to keep as relaxed and easygoing as possible.'

This Dementia Awareness Week™, Alzheimer's Society is encouraging people to 'remember the person' and engage with people with dementia and their carers. Department of Health research shows that many people fear and misunderstand dementia, which causes them to avoid people with the condition. This can leave people with dementia feeling isolated.  Alzheimer's Society has produced ten top tips on how to support a family living with dementia. Advice includes popping round for a cup of tea for a chat or helping out around the house to allow the carer to have a break.

Dale continues,

'It is really important for people to 'remember the person' and look beyond someone's diagnosis of dementia. Many old friends now avoid me as they do not know what to say, which is really hurtful. I just wish they would realise that inside, I am still the same old 'Buffin' I always was.'

Dale released 14 singles and eight albums with Mott The Hoople before they split in 1974. In October 2009, the band reformed with their original line-up for a sold-out five-day residency at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo. Due to ill health, Dale was unable to perform for the entire gig, however, he did appear for the band's encore performances, playing 'Roll Away the Stone' and 'All the Young Dudes'.

Interviews with Dale Griffin are available on request. Please contact the Press Office, 0207 423 3595.

Notes to editors:

• When the band split in 1974, Dale continued with Pete "Overend" Watts and Morgan Fisher in the Mott successor British Lions until around 1978. Dale then went on to a career as a successful music producer - working with well known bands like Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins, and spending over ten years as a producer of numerous BBC Radio 1 John Peel sessions.
• Dementia Awareness Week™ runs from Sunday 4 - Saturday 10 July, 2010.
• For more information on Dementia Awareness Week™, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/remembertheperson
  
• For more information on the Department of Health's dementia awareness campaign, please visit nhs.uk/dementia/Pages/Dementia.aspx
  
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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