Message from Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
On World Alzheimer's Day 2004
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan is president of ADI and the daughter of Rita Hayworth, the actress, who had Alzheimer's disease.
ADI recognises that dementia represents a major health issue in all countries. These are conditions for which family members take the main responsibility. There are estimated to be 18 million people with dementia in the world and for each of these there is at least one carer and often many more. The lives of a vast number of people are affected by dementia.
Governments in all countries need to recognise the part that carers play. Governments need to provide finance and support services to assist carers in their task. No government can ignore the problem of ageing. An increasing number of people with dementia is an inevitable consequence of the ageing of populations.
On World Alzheimer's Day, Alzheimer associations all over the world are organising many activities to bring the challenge of dementia to the attention of their governments and the general public. Alzheimer associations do a great deal to provide information and assist carers in fulfilling their role. On behalf of ADI I salute their endeavours.
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