§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to support Alzheimer's Awareness Week in July. [91151]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 20 January 2003]: The Alzheimer's Society has achieved great success over the years in raising awareness of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
This has been very important in helping people with dementia and their carers receive the care and support that they need. Raising awareness is important for delivering on the standard set out for mental health in the older people's national service framework.
While currently the Department has no particular plans around this year's awareness week, we fully support its overall aim.