Alzheimer´s disease affects 35´000 persons in the Balearics

Ramón, the chairman of the Majorcan Association of Families affected by Alzheimer's disease (AFAM), has asked for government help in the form of subsidies to cover costs of those affected by this disorder. It is estimated that there are some 35'000 sufferers in the Balearics. The calculation is based on the approximate number of 12'000 people registered in the Archipelago with Alzheimer's disease, and a minimum of two family members per person. The expenses incurred by these families, who have to dedicate themselves utterly to the care of an Alzheimer sufferer, total around 30'000 euros a year. These costs were the conclusion of a working party conference entitled “The costs of Alzheimer's disease” which took place in Madrid on 12 and 13 September. Although he acknowledged the government's contribution to the plight of these families, Ramón indicated that public subsidies are limited to maintenance allowances. Because some families are in a low income bracket, the combined effect can lead to “terrible cases”, the psychological effects of which AFAM do all they can to alleviate. AFAM opened its new centre, in calle Vinyassa in Palma, yesterday. It has been financed with the collaboration of Bancaja. From here, AFAM will continue its work of support to affected families, and to sufferers in less advanced stages of the condition. Ramón also announced that tomorrow is World Alzheimer's Day. Today AFAM are setting up information points and charity collection boxes at various points between Palma and Calviá.