Alzheimer's Society Comment On Terry Pratchett's Donation To Alzheimer's Research

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 14 Mar 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Terry Pratchett's brave decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis is shining a welcome light on what it is like to live with dementia.

Like Terry, 700,000 people in the UK face a daily battle with this incurable condition. I admire Terry's determination to fight dementia; his honesty, candour and courage will do so much to tackle the misunderstanding and stigma that keeps dementia in the shadows. As Terry's experience demonstrates dementia isn't only about memory loss; it has a devastating impact on the person's life and the lives of those around them.

If we live to over 65, one in three of us will die with dementia, a stark fact that should spur us all to join the fight against this devastating condition. If we are to ultimately defeat dementia it is vital that we invest in better support for people living with dementia and fund more dementia research.

Key facts:

As a charity Alzheimer's Society relies on voluntary donations. To make a donation to Alzheimer's Society please call 0845 306 0898 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

- Over 15,000 people under 65 living with dementia in the UK
- Terry Prachett has been diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy a rare form of dementia
- The UK spends £11 on research per person with dementia compared to £289 per person with cancer

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.

The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

Alzheimer's Society