All those diagnosed with dementia must receive early support guarantee

Charity calls for action after figures show variations in availability in post diagnostic support

Today, on World Alzheimer's Day, Age Scotland has called for action to ensure all people who are newly diagnosed with dementia have access to a link worker to provide them with support and information. The Scottish Government has established a guarantee so that this support will be available to people with dementia for a year after diagnosis, but figures released today show that a significant number of people are missing out on this support.

Figures published today by BBC Scotland show significant regional variation in delivery of the guarantee. In Greater Glasgow, 75 percent of those eligible received the support, in Lothian, 52 percent, in Grampian 59 percent, and in Tayside 94 percent.

Richard Baker, Age Scotland Early Stage Dementia Policy Officer said:

"Early support and advice for people with dementia is crucial so that they can be helped to manage the condition and plan ahead for the future. That is why the Scottish Government's guarantee to provide a link worker to people with dementia for a year after diagnosis is such an important and welcome initiative."

"We have become aware that many people are missing out on this support because of staff shortages, and these figures released today show the extent of the problem. It is now crucial that local health and social care partnerships work with the Scottish Government to ensure this national commitment is met locally in all parts of the country. The resources must be made available so that this guarantee is met and people receive the support they need in the early stages to live well with dementia in the future."