This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8265498.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Plea for £15m dementia fund boost | Plea for £15m dementia fund boost |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A charity has called on the Scottish government to invest £15m each year for the next five years to help people with dementia. | |
Alzheimer Scotland said the number of people diagnosed with the condition in Scotland could increase by almost 60,000 within a generation. | Alzheimer Scotland said the number of people diagnosed with the condition in Scotland could increase by almost 60,000 within a generation. |
This would put increased pressure on dementia services, the charity warned. | This would put increased pressure on dementia services, the charity warned. |
The government said dementia was a "national priority". It will publish a new dementia strategy in the spring. | The government said dementia was a "national priority". It will publish a new dementia strategy in the spring. |
Alzheimer Scotland said £15m a year would help local authorities and NHS boards fund early intervention to help delay the onset of dementia, which can have a "significant impact" in the social and economic cost. | Alzheimer Scotland said £15m a year would help local authorities and NHS boards fund early intervention to help delay the onset of dementia, which can have a "significant impact" in the social and economic cost. |
As Scots are living longer, the number of people affected by dementia is likely to increase by around three quarters over the next two decades Scottish government spokesman | As Scots are living longer, the number of people affected by dementia is likely to increase by around three quarters over the next two decades Scottish government spokesman |
Chief executive Henry Simmons said: "There is no greater public health issue than dementia. | Chief executive Henry Simmons said: "There is no greater public health issue than dementia. |
"An increase in numbers from nearly 70,000 today to around 127,000 within a generation leaves us with no option but to prepare, plan and provide for increasing need and demand. | "An increase in numbers from nearly 70,000 today to around 127,000 within a generation leaves us with no option but to prepare, plan and provide for increasing need and demand. |
"We can meet these needs - but we must act decisively and we must act now." | "We can meet these needs - but we must act decisively and we must act now." |
He argued that current dementia services were not cost-effective as they often intervene too late, when the person involved has already reached "crisis stage". | He argued that current dementia services were not cost-effective as they often intervene too late, when the person involved has already reached "crisis stage". |
The charity also called for the UK and Scottish governments to increase funding for research into dementia. | The charity also called for the UK and Scottish governments to increase funding for research into dementia. |
Studies suggest that if the symptoms of dementia can be delayed by five years, health and social care budgets would be halved, the organisation said. | Studies suggest that if the symptoms of dementia can be delayed by five years, health and social care budgets would be halved, the organisation said. |
A spokesman for the Scottish government said: "We have already taken decisive action to set a national target on early diagnosis, are investing in support immediately after diagnosis and have issued specialist guidance on dementia patients to A&Es and acute hospitals. | A spokesman for the Scottish government said: "We have already taken decisive action to set a national target on early diagnosis, are investing in support immediately after diagnosis and have issued specialist guidance on dementia patients to A&Es and acute hospitals. |
"As Scots are living longer, the number of people affected by dementia is likely to increase by around three quarters over the next two decades. | "As Scots are living longer, the number of people affected by dementia is likely to increase by around three quarters over the next two decades. |
"That's why planning for the future is vital and we expect to publish our new dementia strategy in the spring." | "That's why planning for the future is vital and we expect to publish our new dementia strategy in the spring." |
Previous version
1
Next version