Dementia now a national priority: Alzheimer Scotland welcomes Ministerial statement

Today's Ministerial statement on dementia by Shona Robison MSP is warmly welcomed by Alzheimer Scotland. It confirms that the Scottish Government recognises the scale of the problem of dementia in Scotland, as highlighted by our recent report The Dementia Epidemic - where Scotland is now and the challenge ahead.

The programme has identified the need for changes in service provision for people with dementia across Scotland, including the integration of palliative care as promoted by Alzheimer Scotland's Beyond Barriers project. It also recognises the need to enhance the research into dementia, its causes and potential treatments; a need that has received much attention following the recent comments of Terry Pratchett. Awareness raising and information sharing will be promoted, increasing the understanding of dementia across Scotland. All this gievs substance to the Scottish Government's commitment to making dementia a national priority.

In addition, the announcement of joint funding of £600,000 (over three years) between Alzheimer Scotland and the Dementia Services Development Centre in Stirling will allow the organisation to carry out invaluable work on post-diagnostic support and information initiatives for people with dementia and their carers.

Jim Jackson, Chief Executive at Alzheimer Scotland, said, "This is an important start to work which needs to be done by the Government, NHS, local authorities, voluntary and private sector services. As more people are diagnosed, Scotland will need to be better prepared to provide personalised support for people with dementia. We look forward to working with our partners in the Dementia Forum and transforming dementia services in Scotland."

Contact Kirsty Jardine (PR & Marketing Manager) for further information: 0131 243 1476 (direct line), 07894 664055 (mobile) or kjardine@alzscot.org