World Alzheimer's Day: 21 September 2006

Alzheimers disease is the most commonly form of Dementia in the elderly. Dementia is a progressive, degenerative brain syndrome that effects memory, thinking behaviour and emotion. It knows no social, economic, ethnic or geographical boundaries.

"Awareness of the problem will allow human endeavour to triumph over this challenging condition" Minister Uys said.

"We are all getting older and the accompanying challenges will not change. It is how we meet these challenges that makes the difference. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Age is an important risk factor, but not the only one. Dementia effects one person in 20 over the age of 65 and one person in five over the age of 80 and 1 in three over the age of 85" said Uys.

The exact causes of Alzheimer's remain largely unexplained, but we do know that there are contributers to memory problems. These include :

• Cardio vascular disease
• head injury
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• low education levels
• obesity
• physical inactivity

By promoting awareness and speaking up and speaking out about Alzheimer's, we can dispel the myths.

The care giver and organizations offering support are of the utmost importance in relieving the burden of the illness.

"The Department of Health will continue to serve , educate and create awareness and provide all the possible support to those in need through our in and out patient hospital and primary health care services and through our Mental Health Institutions" Uys said.

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Issued by:
The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape
Department of Health
Faiza Steyn
Director: Communication
Tel: 021 483 3235
Herman van der Westhuizen
Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Health
Tel: 021 483 2627