Official launch for Alzheimer's Society Lesbian and Gay Network

Over the next two years the project will receive £90,000 from Comic Relief to develop and strengthen its work. The funding has also enabled the Society to appoint a development officer to promote the services provided by the Network as well as establish the specific needs of lesbian and gay people with dementia and their carers.

Roger Newman's partner David had Alzheimer's disease for seven years. He died in 2000. Roger says the Lesbian and Gay Network has a vital role to play:

'As a gay man who had a partner with Alzheimer's I found it difficult to find support and information from people who really understood my position. A man caring for another man is fairly unusual. Caring for my partner meant that I found myself regularly having to 'come out' to people - social workers, doctors, consultants and nursing home staff. There were also added difficulties because other carers for people with dementia found it hard to accept my relationship, adding to the sense of isolation.'

It is estimated that there are between 35,000 - 50,000 lesbian and gay carers of people with dementia in the UK. To coincide with the launch of the Lesbian and Gay Network the Alzheimer's Society has also produced its first newsletter specifically for lesbian and gay people with dementia and their carers.

The Alzheimer's Society chief executive, Neil Hunt, says:

'The importance of the work carried out by the Lesbian and Gay Network must not be understated. Dementia does not discriminate and it is not just a heterosexual condition. The expansion of the network gives practical direction to the Society's commitment to providing a high quality and inclusive service for all.'

The Alzheimer's Society Lesbian and Gay Network will be launched at Gordon House, in Victoria on Thursday 22 April 2004 at 6.30pm. Speakers will include Alzheimer's Society chief executive, Neil Hunt, Lesbian and Gay Network Development Officer, Lisa Cooper and Network member Roger Newman. 

Alzheimer's Society Lesbian and Gay Network

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.
• 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/