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Alzheimer's

Sir,

I completely agree with your report that dementia remains chronically underfunded and as a consequence it is one of the most feared illnesses by Scots (your report 9 February 2011).  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, which results in the death of brain cells.

Labour MEPs have backed a call for the EU member states to put more effort into the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.  There are over 61,000 Alzheimer patients across Scotland, 60% live at home and rely on a strong network of care.  This network is by and large close family members and friends, not qualified medical professionals.  

Alzheimer’s is one of Scotland’s biggest challenges facing our health service, but we cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand.  It lies with the Nationalists in Scotland the Tory-Lib Dem Coalition who will ultimately make the decision on how to prioritise medical research spending.  It is already 2011 and many medical experts are still unclear as to what causes the disease.  Of course we must continue to provide and spend more money on caring for patients, but it is vital we advance the research into finding cures and embarking on preventative strategies.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Stihler MEP