Letter to Health Ministers
Alzheimer's Disease International sent the following letter to health ministers in the 192 WHO member states, to arrive in time for World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September 2004.
Dear Health Minister
Tuesday 21 September is World Alzheimer's Day. From Australia to Alaska, thousands of people will gather in countries around the world and urge their governments there is no time to lose in making dementia a higher healthcare priority.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia - a term used to describe different brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. Dementia knows no social, economic, ethnic or geographical boundaries, as highlighted by the recent death of President Reagan. There are currently an estimated 18 million people with dementia in the world - a figure set to rise to 34 million by 2025. Over two-thirds of people with dementia live in developing countries.
Dementia is surrounded by myth and stigma, and is still thought by many to be a normal part of ageing. As there is presently no cure for most dementias, many people believe nothing can be done and do not seek a diagnosis. In truth, there is a great deal of advice, support and information available from organisations such as Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).
ADI is the non-profit worldwide federation of Alzheimer associations founded in 1984. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are delighted to represent associations in 66 countries. ADI has been in official relations with the World Health Organization since 1996.
World Alzheimer's Day plays an important part in raising global awareness about dementia. Last year 56 countries participated in Memory Walks, parliamentary debates, public forums and street leafleting campaigns. After 10 years of co-ordinating World Alzheimer's Day, we have started seeing an increased recognition of dementia as a disease around the world.
No matter where they live in the world, most people with dementia are cared for by their families. The support available to carers varies greatly from one country to another. People with dementia and their carers need practical, emotional and financial help. The right support at the right time can make a real difference to a person with dementia and their family's ability to care and therefore cope. This support can come from different sources, including governments such as yours. We can no longer forget nor ignore the economic consequences of the world's rapidly ageing population. We are facing a dementia epidemic and it is time for governments to take action now.
I hope you will join us in working towards improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers by providing better support services for those with dementia and their carers.
Yours sincerely
Elizabeth Rimmer
Executive Director
Alzheimer's Disease International
Where next?
- Message from Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
- Find out about events planned for World Alzheimer's Day 2004
- About World Alzheimer's Day 2004
