COLNE Valley Labour MP Kali Mountford is backing Alzheimer's Awareness Week next week.

More than 835 people in the Colne Valley suffer from dementia - a major symptom of the brain disease which impairs memory and causes personality changes and physical disability.

The theme of the Week is children and dementia.

The Society is using the week to help children and younger people understand what dementia is and how it might affect someone they know.

The Society has produced new information for children, including a video of children talking about dementia in the family, which will be shown in schools.

Ms Mountford said: "I am very happy to be supporting the Alzheimer's Society in Alzheimer's Awareness Week.

"We all need to understand that dementia is caused by a disease of the brain and is not a normal part of ageing."

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Society said: "Twenty five yeas ago the odds stacked against the Society's survival were almost overwhelming.

"Today we have achieved more than our founders might have believed possible.

"With so many people behind us we will be able to continue our vital work to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers."

For information and advice on Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia call the national helpline on 0845 300 0336 or visit www.alzheimers. org.uk