German Alzheimer Association releases statement on the death of Günter Sachs
Sunday 08 May 2011
It has been suggested that former German businessman Günter Sachs took his life on 7 May 2011 due to the fear of Alzheimer’s disease. The German Alzheimer Association has issued a press release in response to this. It states:
“Germany is home to some 1.2 million people with dementia, of which about two-thirds have Alzheimer's disease. Most of them are cared for devotedly by family members, living for a long time in the home environment. Even with dementia, a life worth living is possible. This is reported by, amongst others, the participants who share experiences for groups for people with dementia in an early phase of the disease. "The group is full of potential," said one participant. Although some capabilities will be lost, often enough abilities remain resources to enjoy being active. This was the conclusion of nearly all of the forty people present.
"Of course, the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease at first a shock and the progressive loss of control over one's life causes deep anxiety," said Heike von Lützau-Hohlbein the chair of the national Alzheimer's Association. "The death of Günter Sachs also shows us that we need to do much to break the taboo of this disease and to give support so that people need not worry, in a care situation, and thus falling into dependence on others." The German Alzheimer Association’s ‘Alzheimer’s Phone’ offers a point of contact for people who may be concerned about Alzheimer’s disease. This contact offers preliminary information and support.”
Günter Sachs was a German documentary film-maker, photographer author and industrialist.
For more information please visit the German Alzheimer Association website at: