CLEOBURY Mortimer’s MP is backing an international campaign to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, organised by Alzheimer’s Disease International.

This month marks the second global World Alzheimer’s Month, focussing this year on the care required by people with dementia throughout the course of their condition.

Conservative Philip Dunne said: “With an above average proportion of elderly people in the Ludlow constituency and an increasing rate of dementia diagnosis, it is important that people understand the care needs of those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“Dementia can affect anyone, though it can often go undiagnosed. For example, of the estimated 5,100 people living in Shropshire with dementia, more than half are thought to be undiagnosed.

“Those suffering from early stage dementia and, in particular, those who care for them, need to be aware of the help available.

“World Alzheimer’s Month, alongside other initiatives such as the launch of the Alzhiemer’s Society’s new guide for patients and carers, which I promoted in July, offer an opportunity to raise awareness of this disease.

“I am also pleased that the first G8 summit on dementia will be held in the UK in December, with health ministers from across the G8 invited to discuss how we can co-ordinate international efforts to combat dementia.”

More information on World Alzheimer’s Month can be found at alz.co.uk/world-alzheimers-month.

For more information about the disease the Alzheimer’s Society’s new guide, endorsed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, is available free of charge.

To order the guide visit alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaguide or phone 0300 303 5933.