CARDIFF'S DEMENTIA CHALLENGE - RANDERSON

4.38.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 14th Jun 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Cardiff Central Jenny Randerson, will be lobbying the Health Minister at the Assembly after shocking new figures show the huge growth expected in the number of dementia sufferers in the area.

The Alzheimer's Society estimate that Cardiff will see a 28 per cent increase in the number of people with dementia by 2021.

Jenny said: "These figures are astonishing. Many of these people will be living alone, with no friends or relatives to care from them - I just cannot imagine how the health and social care system will cope. This is clearly an issue that needs urgent attention and long term planning. I hope that the Government and health officials can work together to take up this challenge."

Notes:

· In their report Dementia UK, the Alzheimer's Society estimate the number of people with dementia in Cardiff will rise from 3,088 today to 3,942 in 2021. This is an increase of 28 per cent. The full report can be downloaded from the charity's website (www.alzheimers.org.uk).

Ends/diwedd

Andrew Sherwood 02920 898324