City warned of dementia time bomb

Published on Monday 12 May 2008 10:45

THE Capital is facing a dementia time bomb, with the number of sufferers set to rocket.

Alzheimer Scotland predicts there will be 7067 in Edinburgh by 2024, up from the current figure of 5508. The condition is already Scotland's fourth biggest killer, after heart disease, strokes and lung cancer.

However, the ageing population, combined with poor health and inactivity, is upping the threat.

Alzheimer Scotland, which has compiled the statistics from detailed studies, is urging people to stay mentally and physically active to stave off the threat.

It is even offering advice to primary school children to improve awareness and reduce the stigma that surrounds dementia.

Because it generally affects older people – although sufferers in their 30s are not unheard of – putting off the onset of the condition by just five years would be enough to ensure numbers do not rise from their current level.

Fantasy author Terry Pratchett has received an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's, but has vowed to continue writing books, to keep him mentally active.

A spokeswoman for Alzheimer Scotland said: "We are pushing a 'good for you, good for your brain' campaign to try to reduce the rates of dementia. We want to make sure people keep physically, mentally and socially active. Studies have found that reduces your chances of getting dementia. In the early stages it is also a good way to slow down the condition.

"Last year we launched the schools pack, aimed at older primary children. A lot of their parents may be affected by dementia and, if they have read about it, it lessens the stigma attached to talking about the condition.

"This is not just an issue for the elderly, it's something that people of all ages need to be aware of."

Types of dementia, of which Alzheimer's is the most common, speed up the ageing process, causing the body to deteriorate through inactivity, and usually killing in combination with something else, such as pneumonia.

The spokeswoman added: "When people are young they tend to be quite active anyway, but people in their 40s are at risk, particularly if they have been in the same job for a long time."

The Scottish Pensioners Association has called for more to be done to support both Alzheimer's sufferers and their carers.

Former president John Wilson said: "The carers are suffering – they don't get the support which is absolutely necessary.

"There's not enough respite available for them. It is difficult finding time for yourself when you are spending 24 hours a day looking after someone.

"We need a more caring society. People are looking after themselves now, rather than elderly relatives, and that's a sad reflection on society nowadays."

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