Tackling stigma, evaluating post-diagnosis support and improving engagement with community and research programmes are key points of focus in the 2024-26 delivery plan to implement Scotland’s dementia strategy.

Following a process of collaboration with those with lived experience of dementia and stakeholders across health and care, the Scottish government has today outlined its plans for the initial phase of the dementia strategy.

Over the next two years, the government will seek to work with these partners to establish core building blocks for delivering long-term change.

Promoting better understanding of brain health and reducing the stigma associated with dementia that can lead to isolation and lack of engagement with services will be two key focuses.

The plan also outlines work with Public Health Scotland alongside local and academic partners to better understand diagnosis and post-diagnostic support.

Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, said:

“I’m very proud that both the strategy and the delivery plan are the result of collaboration with the voices of people with lived experience of dementia, alongside wider partners. This engagement will continue throughout the lifetime of the strategy through our Strategy Delivery Group, to ensure we hold each other to account.

“I look forward to continuing to work with COSLA, and other partners as we move this dementia strategy into delivery, to achieve our ambition to keep people living with dementia well for longer, in a setting of their choice.”

By 2026, the government also seeks to have established a short-life working group to develop understanding of the workforce supporting people with dementia – and identify any gaps.

Age Scotland has welcomed the plan, commending the steps taken to involve people with lived experience and other key stakeholders “at every stage of the process”.

Age Scotland’s Head of Dementia, Dr Kainde Manji, said:

“This plan is an important part in realising the Scottish government’s ambitious 10-year strategy to ensure that every person living with dementia receives the care and support they deserve.

“It can build on existing good practice and continues its commitment to improving the lives of those living with dementia and their unpaid carers.”

The plan also says the government will commission an independent evaluation of the Aberdeen Brain Health Service – Scotland’s first official dedicated brain health space opened last year.

Meanwhile, two key groups will be established to inform the government’s policy and funding decisions.

A cross-governmental, cross-sectoral steering group is set to shape the Scottish government’s role in contributing to research around dementia, from risk and diagnosis to trials of novel treatments.

A Resilient Communities Programme Board will also be formed to identify priorities and  allocate government funding to grassroots and community organisations.

The board will be made up of chief officer representatives from local areas, national third sector groups and community networks, as well as people with lived experience.

The focus on including people living with dementia or caring for a loved one living with dementia was highlighted by Dr Manji:

“The creation of a Community Resilience Program Board which has people with lived experience, those involved in delivery and local authorities around the table will ensure that vital community-based support, such as meeting centres and dementia friendly communities, are given what they need to thrive in the long term.

“We are determined that this plan is a success for everyone who relies on it and look forward working with the Scottish government to ensure that it delivers for people living with dementia today and in the future.”

Read more: Action needed on women's brain health; The app for more ‘dementia friendly' communities; Edinburgh team seek new insights into MS progression; Music's potential to help with dementia; Using VR to understand lived experience of dementia; ‘Substantial' impact of domestic abuse on brain

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