Special support is offered to dementia sufferers in Scotland

BMJ2012;344doi: 10.1136/bmj.e2687(Published 12 April 2012)Bryan Christie

It is part of a wider programme of improvements to dementia care which has seen 100 dementia champions trained to work in Scottish hospitals and the appointment of specialist dementia nurses across the country.

Scotland already outperforms other parts of the UK in diagnosing dementia. A report earlier this year from the Alzheimer’s Society found that 64.5% of people with dementia in Scotland had been given a diagnosis in 2011, compared with 61.5% in Northern Ireland, 41.1% in England, and 37.4 % in Wales. (www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiamap)

Early diagnosis is important in providing access to care, treatment, and support. The World Alzheimer’s Report 2010 estimated that it can also save taxpayers around $10 000 (£6290; €7630) per person by delaying the need for care outside the home.

Scotland’s health minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that her top priority is to improve the care of older people, including those with dementia. The one year post-diagnosis support will be delivered by a named and trained individual and will aim to help individuals and families understand the illness, manage its symptoms, connect with support networks and plan for the future.

Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “Scotland has had tremendous success in facing one of the key challenges of dementia—encouraging people to come forward and making sure that they receive a prompt diagnosis. Recent statistics show we are leading the way in this regard compared to our counterparts in England and Wales.

“The new national commitment to a guarantee of one year’s post-diagnostic support for everyone receiving a diagnosis of dementia, as well as their partners and families, is a perfect way to build on this.”

The first 100 dementia champions have started work in Scottish hospitals where they are helping to improve the frontline care of people with dementia as well as cascading information and education to other staff. By the end of next year 300 dementia champions will be in place across Scotland.

Sturgeon said: “Providing the very best care for every older person on every occasion, in care homes and in hospitals continues to be a personal priority for me. Getting the right support in place at this (early) stage of the illness can greatly help improve the quality of care throughout the journey of the illness.”

Ps. This article is my blog for today; nothing left in my tank for something original, but also, it is good to keep abreast of what is happening around the world.