HC Deb 03 July 2003 vol 408 cc478-9W
Mr. Hepburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in(a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) England have (i) dementia and (ii) Alzheimer's disease. [122890]

Dr. Ladyman

There is no routine collection of information at national or local level about the number of people with dementia generally or Alzheimer's disease in particular. Research evidence about the prevalence of dementia suggests that about 5 per cent. of the total population aged 65 or over, rising to 20 per cent. of the population aged 80 and over, has dementia. Alzheimer's disease causes up to 60 per cent. of cases of dementia.

Mr. Hepburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support the Government are offering Alzheimer's awareness week. [122892]

Dr. Ladyman

The Government are keen supporters of Alzheimer's Awareness Week. It is essential that awareness of the needs of people with dementia, and of their carers, is raised, to help ensure that those needs are met. The Government have produced an older people's national service framework that outlines the high priority we are giving to improving services for people with dementia.