Scotland Needs An Urgent Investment In Dementia Research, Says Leading Charity

Alzheimer’s Research UK has called on the Scottish Government to show an urgent investment in dementia research, following the launch of its National Dementia Strategy.

The Scottish Government has published its third dementia strategy, which maintains a focus on improving the quality of care for people living with dementia and their families. The document outlines a plan for improving diagnosis, including post-diagnostic support; care co-ordination during the middle stage of dementia; end of life and palliative care; workforce development and capability; data and information; and research.

This comes just two weeks after it was revealed that the number of people in Scotland dying with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, had increased by 31% in a year.

Dr Matthew Norton, Director of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, said:

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia. The number of people in Scotland dying from dementia has soared in the last year, and these numbers are only going to increase as our population continues to age. If we are to stand a chance of bringing this number down, reducing the cost of dementia to society and stopping the heartache caused by the condition, then we must invest in research – it is our only long-term solution.

“It’s encouraging that the Scottish Dementia Strategy recognises the need for investing in dementia research, and it will be important to see the detail of this plan. We need to see an urgent commitment, both in terms of funding and resources, if we are going to achieve the breakthroughs we so desperately need.”