In connection with a National Service Framework for older people launched in 2000, the NHS has introduced a 10-year plan to improve quality of life for the elderly.

As part of this plan, the NHS has stepped up its services for those suffering from neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's and similar dementias affect one in 20 people over 65 and one in five over the age of 80 in the UK. Parkinson's symptoms usually appear earlier after the age of 50.

Both conditions are progressive, meaning symptoms become more severe with age.

As we get older, brain cells shrink and conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's occur when there becomes a shortage of certain chemicals in the brain.

Alzheimer's patients fail to produce acetylcholine a message-carrying chemical known as a neurotransmitter.

Without an ample supply of this chemical there is a breakdown of communication between the brain and body, resulting in memory loss.

Patients with Parkinson's have an absence of dopamine, a neuorotransmitter which carries information between nerve cells and muscles disabling sufferers from performing co-ordinated movements.

Parkinson's mainly affects movements such as walking, writing and talking. Early signs include slight tremors and muscular stiffness.

There is no cure or single explanation for either disease.

However, there are a number of drug treatments available to alleviate symptoms or slow down the disease progression in some people.

Memantine is a drug which has recently been in the news for its success helping moderate Alzeheimer's sufferers and there are hopes it will help in severe cases too0.

Lewisham Hopsital is one of a number of centres which has developed services to educate and support people with both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The hospital's neurology department has set up a group-consultation clinic for people with Parkinson's and their carers, run by consultant neurologist, Dr Ray Choudhuri.

He said: "The clinic is for patients with stable conditions to meet as a group.

"I educate vistors on any advances in research or medication for the condition, so they become an expert patient by understanding the disease.

"There is one-to-one advice and a physiotherapist to demonstrate beneficial exercises, such as how to stand and sit with little discomfort."

There is also a specialist Memory Clinic which aims to provide an early and accurate diagnosis. Some dementias, if picked up early, are treatable.

The clinic provides individual assessment for those with mild to moderate memory or behavioural problems.

For more information, visit lewishampct.nhs.uk