Alzheimer's Alert

3.16.43pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 17th Jul 2006

At the borough's 'Caring Café' Vincent Cable, MP (and his wife Rachel) met volunteers helping local Alzheimer's sufferers and their carers. Concern was expressed about pressure on facilities for the elderly mentally ill (EMI) and in particular there was anxiety about the future of St John's Centre, Amyand Park Road, in Twickenham.

Vincent Cable said that: "this borough has, I believe, the highest percentage of very elderly people - over 85 years old - in London. There are growing numbers of elderly people who may be physically mobile but have lost most if not all of their memory. My late mother went through this condition. There is a lot of stress on carers, often themselves very elderly.

There is a worry about the future of centres like St John's where there are rumours of closure swirling around. My understanding is that partial, if not all, closure is under review by the Mental Health Trust which will disappoint those who have raised funds and supported the hospital in the past. Given that there are growing numbers of EMI we need more support rather than less".