Many people fear services not available for dementia sufferers

Almost half the population in Scotland doubts that social care
and health services are readily available for those suffering from
dementia, according to a survey by Alzheimer Scotland.

In ‘You’re Not Alone – Awareness of Dementia in
Scotland’, one thousand people were surveyed and almost all
recognised the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s and had a good
grasp of the main symptoms.

However, almost a third had misconceptions such as associating
the disease with old age only, and believing that little could be
done to help those with dementia.

A third, mainly young people, admitted seeing people with
dementia as figures of fun, and less than a fifth recognised the
main dementia charities such as Alzheimer Scotland. A third,
increasing within the older age range, were worried that they
themselves might develop dementia.

While most surveyed believed that social care and health
professionals could help few (16 per cent) had faith in the
availability of the services while a half had serious doubts that
the services would be available.

At the same time almost 60 per cent believed dementia was a
priority for the NHS, ranking it a close third after cancer and
heart disease.

Alzheimer Scotland released the survey results as it launched a
new publicity campaign aiming to get the message across that people
with dementia, their families and friends are not alone and that
help is available.

www.alzscot.org