Alzheimer's Society comments on 'Love's Farewell' - a film about Dementia

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Palliative Care / Hospice Care
Article Date: 01 Aug 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The newly extended version of the BAFTA award-winning documentary Malcolm and Barbara: a love story will be broadcast on Wednesday 8 August, ITV1, 9 - 10.30. This heart-rending film follows Malcolm's journey from being a highly skilled composer, husband and father to the last years of his life.

Alzheimer's Society comment on Malcolm and Barbara: Love's Farewell:

'Malcolm and Barbara: Love's Farewell gives valuable insight into the battles thousands of people with dementia and their carers face everyday. Sadly, Malcolm and Barbara's journey is not unique, 1 in 3 older people will end their life with dementia.

'Dementia is more than just memory loss; it robs people of their lives and has a devastating impact on families and loved ones. Malcolm and Barbara's decision to film their journey in its entirety was one they made together to raise awareness of this harsh reality. We hope their brave decision will shine a light on the fact that dementia is a terminal condition that is currently desperately under funded and misunderstood.'

-- Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that causes a person's ability to remember, understand, communicate and reason to decline. It is the most common form of dementia.

-- 1 in 3 older people will end their life with dementia.

-- 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 5 people over 80 have dementia.

-- The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

-- As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk.

Alzheimer's Society Dementia

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