21 September 2006
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of Dementia in the elderly.
Dementia is a progressive, degenerative brain syndrome that affects 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 Pierre Uys said.
"We are all getting older and the accompanying challenges will not change.
It is how we meet these challenges that make 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 one 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 contributors 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 caregiver and organisations 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.
Enquiries:
Faiza Steyn
Tel: (021) 483 3235
Herman van der Westhuizen
Tel: (021) 483 2627
Issued by: Department of Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
21 September 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
