Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has raised concerns over the number of under 60s in Scotland being diagnosed with dementia.
The figure has increased by a third in the last four years, indicating the disease is hitting more people at a younger age. Last year, there were 322 people under the age of 60 being treated for the illness in Scotland, compared to only 244 in 2009/10. Dementia is commonly associated with those of a much older age.
But recent research found while it is increasing across the board, the rise is also steep among those in their 40s and 50s.
According to the ISD Scotland statistics, there were 33 people in Scotland in their 40s battling the disease in 2012/13, along with 273 in their 50s. There were also a handful of those under 40 who had been diagnosed.
The revelations indicate the scale of the mental health challenge facing Scotland’s NHS, with more people than ever suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Mr Mundell, who has raised dementia issues and concerns before, said: “Dementia is normally associated with those who are very old, in their late 70s, 80s and 90s. However these figures show that this cruel disease is beginning to impact hundreds at a much younger age.”
The local MP added: “Someone in their 40s and 50s with dementia will present all kinds of different challenges to those who are older so it is important we are ready for this particular problem.”
He went on: “We’ve known about the dementia time bomb for several years now, and it is crucial that the Scottish Government makes sure the NHS and local authorities are fully equipped for this growing challenge.”
Mr Mundell pledged to help make his constituency dementia friendly and tackle the stigma attached to dementia and raise awareness in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale.
He said: “One in three people over 65 will develop dementia, and it is a health issue that we can no longer afford to ignore, and unfortunately most people don’t know enough about dementia.
Mr Mundell also recently visited a Dementia Resource Centre supported by Alzheimer Scotland, an organisation which aims to helps people with dementia, their carers and families.
Following his visit the local MP said: “All the evidence suggests that early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference to those who are suffering from dementia. I would urge anyone who feels they or a family member or friend may be suffering alone to contact their GP because there are simple tests and exercises which can be done to identify whether or not you are suffering from dementia."
For more information and advice please visit the Alzheimer Scotland website at www.alzscot.org<http://www.alzscot.org/> and to find out more about Dementia Friends, visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk<http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/>