‘Stigmatising’ is not a fair criticism of new identity

The Alzheimer’s Society strapline does not use a ‘stigmatising term’ (Letters, DW 4 October). It uses wording carefully chosen for our vision of a world where ‘dementia’ can be defeated.

Dementia is a medical term still shrouded by misconceptions, not a derogatory word. It describes symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases, the most common being Alzheimer’s.

Michael Wolff’s comments demonstrate the challenge we have. We do not tolerate prejudice against dementia.

There are 700 000 people in the UK with dementia and this number is rising. We hope that Mr Wolff stops ‘sleepwalking’ and wakes up to the very real impact of dementia.

Neil Hunt, Chief executive, Alzheimer’s Society, London SW1