SDLP South Belfast MP Dr. Alasdair McDonnell has called on fellow South Belfast Assembly Member and Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey to invest in services to help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Speaking following the publication of a report which showed that the total number of people suffering from dementia in Northern Ireland is significantly more than health professionals estimated, Alasdair McDonnell, a former GP said:

“The findings of this report are of no great surprise, yet remain an issue of great concern.

“With an ageing population, society here must prepare to deal with the problems associated with and suffered by elderly people.

“Services to the elderly and Alzheimer’s sufferers are already stretched to the limit. There must be a strategy and investment to enable us to deal with what is going to be the biggest challenge facing the health service and society as a whole in the coming years.

“People suffering from Alzheimer’s deserve to be treated with care and respect, while there families need support and respite.

“I call on the Health Minister to treat this issue as a priority.”

Ends

02-02-10