We are delighted to be using World Alzheimer’s Day, Monday 21 September, as the opportunity to mark our 40th year. For 4 decades Alzheimer Scotland, and the previous iterations of the charity, have been helping to make sure nobody faces dementia alone. The charity has evolved and continuously innovated over the years which is, in many ways, down to the many staff, volunteers and trustees past and present who have been committed to our growth. As the decades have progressed, so have our priorities and we now live in a world where the person is at the heart of all that we do.

World Alzheimer's Day - 40 years of Alzheimer Scotland

1980 saw the very first meeting of people who came together in Ward 5 of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital to discuss dementia what could be done to help people living with the condition. This meeting was the beginning of what was to become the Edinburgh branch of the Alzheimer’s Disease Society, then Alzheimer’s Scotland in 1987 and finally Alzheimer Scotland – Action on Dementia in 1994. You can read more about our history here.

The theme of our 40th anniversary is innovation. The term innovation can be interpreted in many different ways and, often, people don’t recognise the work they’re doing as innovative. Innovation can mean new products or projects, but also new and improved ways of practice and Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers are at the very forefront of all of these.

Ahead of the milestone, Henry Simmons, our Chief Executive said: “It is remarkable to reflect on the last 40 years of Alzheimer Scotland. We have demonstrated some wonderful innovations over the years, and at the heart of them lie our staff and volunteers who innovate every single day because of the person-centred way they work with, and understand, people with dementia and their family carers. I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone who has been a part of Alzheimer Scotland over the last 40 years when I say it is an enormous privilege to be able to have a positive impact on the lives of the people we support.”

We are excited to launch three new products this week and will be updating our website and social media channels over the next few days. To finish the week, we have a huge announcement on Friday about a brand-new, world-leading innovation, which we can’t wait to share with you.

Help us make sure nobody faces dementia alone for another 40 years

Women smiling with cup of tea