A religious comment on Alzheimer's has sparked outrage in some communities after Pat Robertson, a leading Christian Broadcaster, aired his views about whether a man should divorce if his wife has Alzheimer's.

Robertson is the founder of numerous organizations and corporations, including the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), the Christian Coalition, Flying Hospital. He is also an influential figure within what is known as the Christian Right.

He stated that he did not find it 'unacceptable' for a man to divorce his wife in such circumstances.

The 81 year old former Republican Presidential candidate aired his views during his talk show 700 Club:

"I know it sounds cruel but if he's going to do something he should divorce her and start all over again," he said, "and make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her."

The show which aired on Tuesday, was criticized by some professors of theology and medicine.

"There's no question that this is an issue," added Dr Jason Karlawich, a professor of medicine and medical ethics at Penn Memory Center in Philadelphia.

Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, said marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman that calls for faithfulness in the best of times and the worst of times.