Age Scotland announce new Head of Dementia

Age Scotland has announced that Anna Clements has become their new Head of Dementia, highlighting the charity’s commitment to enhancing support for people living with dementia, their families, and carers across Scotland.

Anna brings over a decade of experience and a personal passion for improving dementia care to this key role, which will strengthen Age Scotland’s impact in this vital area.

Age Scotland’s dementia-focused services reflect the charity’s dedication to improving the lives of people living with dementia and unpaid carers. By combining advocacy, campaigns and influencing with grassroots support, the Scottish charity for older people aims to foster more inclusive communities and ensure that the voices of those affected are at the heart of its work.

In her new role, Anna will lead Age Scotland’s About Dementia forum, which works with people affected by dementia and unpaid carers to shape policy and practice in Scotland. The forum includes funding programmes, and the Dementia Friendly Communities Network. These initiatives support grassroots organisations and community groups in creating inclusive spaces and innovative projects.

In addition, Anna will oversee Age Scotland’s Dementia Training Service, which provides dementia and carers’ rights training across Scotland. This service offers training for individuals, community groups, and organisations, helping them better understand dementia and ensuring carers know their rights. Anna will also support Age Scotland’s ongoing carer engagement work, which amplifies the voices of unpaid carers and helps improve their access to vital resources and support.

Her professional background includes leading dementia friendly community projects, working as a dementia advisor, and co-founding Alzheimer Scotland’s ‘Action on Rights’ team during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most recently, she has been supporting individuals and families through the National Dementia Advisor Service.

Speaking about her appointment, Anna Clements said:

"I am delighted to join Age Scotland as it is an incredible opportunity to work alongside people living with dementia, their families, and carers to make a meaningful difference. The About Dementia forum is a remarkable initiative that places lived experience at the heart of shaping Scotland’s approach to dementia care. I’m also passionate about expanding the reach of Age Scotland’s Dementia Training Service, which equips individuals and organisations with the knowledge they need to better support people affected by dementia. I’m looking forward to building on this work and ensuring that people affected by dementia - both those living with it and their carers - feel supported, heard, and empowered in their communities."

Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, added:

"Anna’s experience and passion make her an outstanding addition to the team here at Age Scotland. Dementia is a key area of focus for us, and Anna’s leadership will strengthen our work in programmes such as About Dementia and our dementia training, and help us grow our services to make a lasting difference and ensure people affected by dementia and their carers receive the support they deserve. "