David Ruffley MP, Patron of the West Suffolk Branch of the Alzheimer's Society, expressed support for people with dementia and their carers in Bury St Edmunds, in the run up to Alzheimer's Awareness Week.

The theme of the week, which will run from 4- 10 July 2004, is children, younger people and dementia. The Alzheimer's Society, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, will be using the week to help children and younger people understand what dementia is and how it might affect someone they know. The Society has produced new information for children including a video of children talking about dementia in the family, which will be shown in schools.

David said:

"As Patron of the West Suffolk Branch of the Alzheimer's Society I am very happy to be supporting Alzheimer's Awareness Week. We all need to understand that dementia is caused by a disease of the brain and is not a normal part of ageing. We must help everyone- whatever their age- cope with the impact of dementia."

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

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said:

"I'm very pleased that David Ruffley MP is supporting Alzheimer's Awareness Week. Twenty-five years ago, the odds stacked against the Society's survival were almost overwhelming. Today, we have achieved more than our founders might have believed possible. With so many people behind us, we will be able to continue our vital work to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers."