David Ruffley will be launching Alzheimer's Awareness Week with a release of balloons at Cornhill Walk, Bury St Edmunds on Sunday, 6 July at 11.00 a.m.

As Patron of the West Suffolk Branch of the Alzheimer's Society David is keen to express his support for and raise awareness of people with dementia and their carers in his Bury St Edmunds constituency during Alzheimer's Awareness Week.

The theme of the week, which will run from 6- 12 July is 'Mind your Head'. The Alzheimer's Society will be focusing on the risk factors which may increase someone's likelihood of developing dementia and the practical steps that we can all take to try to lower our risk.

David Ruffley said: "I am very happy to be supporting the Alzheimer's Society in their Awareness Week. Dementia affects one in five people over the age of 80 and understanding some of the risk factors will enable us all to be more proactive about taking steps to protect our health. I would also like to encourage people to offer their services to the West Suffolk Branch of the Alzheimer's Society which does so much excellent work for Alzheimer sufferers and their carers locally."

More than 875 people living in Bury St Edmunds have dementia and more than three times that number are affected by the consequences.

Harry Cayton, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "I'm delighted that David Ruffley is supporting Alzheimer's Awareness Week. The week will tell people about steps which we can take which may lower our risk of developing dementia. The Alzheimer's Society are engaged in exciting research looking for treatments and cures."