Newly diagnosed
This page explains what can be done after you have received a diagnosis. This includes support you are entitled to, how to access it and additional support available through Alzheimer Scotland.
Next steps if you've just been diagnosed with dementia
When you receive a dementia diagnosis it’s normal to experience a range of emotions. It can be a relief that your symptoms now have an explanation. Whatever your current feelings about your diagnosis are, it is important to allow yourself time to adjust to what it means for you and your family and friends.
It can help to talk to those close to you and, when you feel ready, start creating a plan for support going forward.
Your right to post diagnostic support
The Scottish Government guarantees a year’s post diagnostic support (PDS) for everyone diagnosed with dementia. In many areas this is provided by Alzheimer Scotland’s Post Diagnostic Support Link Workers. In other areas post diagnostic support is provided by NHS staff. You can ask your doctor or community mental health nurse to refer you for post diagnostic support.
Talk to us about your diagnosis
If you would like to talk to someone today about your recent diagnosis, you can call our Freephone 24 hour Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 for further information, emotional support and signposting to other services.
If you need information, advice or advocacy in dealing with issues relating to dementia, our Dementia Advisors are here to help you. You can contact them between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, and they can help with a wide range of issues such as accessing health and social care support, help with complaints, power of attorney, guardianship, and money and legal matters. Call us on 0300 373 5774 (charged at a local call rate), or email advice@alzscot.org
Alternatively, you can visit one of our local Brain Health & Dementia Resource Centres that can be found all across Scotland for face-to-face community support.
Brain Health & Dementia Resource Centres
Alzheimer Scotland’s Brain Health & Dementia Resource Centres offer friendly, accessible environments for everyone to enjoy. Our Centres are designed to be dementia friendly and create a sense of homeliness which we know is important in helping everyone to feel at ease. Each Centre is also a base for our wide range of local groups and activities.