Scot Lib Dems call for action on Alzheimer's and dementia

Scottish Liberal Democrats have today called for the Scottish Government to make sure people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias don't fall through the cracks as new figures confirmed that they now account for around one in 10 of all deaths.

New figures published today by the National Records of Scotland show:

• There were 6,612 deaths caused by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias registered in Scotland in 2024. This is one of the leading causes of death in Scotland, accounting for around one in 10 of all deaths.

• After adjusting for age, there were 122 deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias per 100,000 people in Scotland in 2024. This rate has almost doubled over the last two decades.

• Almost two-thirds (64%) of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias were females and 36% were males.

Delegates at the Scottish Liberal Democrat autumn conference recently backed a motion calling for the Scottish Government to urgently establish minimum national care standards and entitlements for Scots with dementia.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Too many people with dementia feel as if they are a burden. They have been badly let down by this Scottish Government.

“One of the major flaws in the SNP’s care plans was the desire to see services run by ministers in Edinburgh.

“We don’t want to repeat that mistake. However, what we can do is set out minimum standards and entitlements for care so that people can live with dignity and not feel left behind.

“Liberal Democrats believe in giving people more control over their own lives and health so that everyone gets the care they need, when they need it and where they need it. Patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias must not be allowed to fall through the cracks.

“Scotland deserves better. And with the Scottish Liberal Democrats, you can vote for it.