Alzheimer Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland's leading dementia charity.

"Getting an early diagnosis of dementia has made a massive difference to my life, both now and for the future.When I was...
29/09/2026

"Getting an early diagnosis of dementia has made a massive difference to my life, both now and for the future.

When I was told I had Alzheimer's disease in 2023, I was 67 and still working. I was doing well, but my boss noticed I was forgetting things and struggling to manage longer-term projects.

After months of tests, the diagnosis came as a shock, even though I’d been expecting it. But finally I knew what was going on and why my brain wasn’t working the way it used to.

Some people question the value of an early dementia diagnosis because there’s currently no cure. But for me, it is crucial to get a diagnosis while you still have agency, and are still able to make decisions for yourself.

I have been able to put into place arrangements and future plans that are my preferences as opposed to a guardian’s preferences. I can fight my own corner and insist on things that suit me, not what is most convenient to someone else.

I have been lucky to find great support from Alzheimer Scotland, and have become involved in their Scottish Dementia Working Group, pushing for change and advocating for the rights of people with dementia.

I’ve spoken at conferences and events around the UK and Europe and have had the privilege of speaking to so many people. It helps me feel that I’m doing something productive.

I also signed up to Join Dementia Research which has connected me to dozens of studies and projects that could help find a new treatment or even a cure. That’s so important to me because it’s going to take research to find a solution.

Right now I am living well with dementia – thanks in large part to getting an early diagnosis. But there are people waiting years for a diagnosis which is just not acceptable.

We need urgent change to make sure everyone affected by dementia has the same opportunities to live as well as they can for as long as they can, and to take control of their own future."

A huge thank you to Rynagh for sharing her experience.💜

As World Alzheimer’s Month comes to a close, we’re continuing to raise awareness of why a timely diagnosis matters, giving people better access to support and the opportunity to plan for the future on their own terms.

Tayside, you were brilliant 💜Thank you to everyone who joined us at North Inch Park for this year’s Memory Walk. From fa...
28/09/2026

Tayside, you were brilliant 💜

Thank you to everyone who joined us at North Inch Park for this year’s Memory Walk. From families and friends to volunteers, it was lovely to see so many people walking together for someone special.

Every step, donation, and bit of fundraising helps Alzheimer Scotland continue supporting people living with dementia, their families, and carers across Scotland.

We’re so grateful to everyone who made the day what it was.

The prospect of six Glasgow day care centres closing is about much more than buildings or budgets. For people living wit...
25/09/2026

The prospect of six Glasgow day care centres closing is about much more than buildings or budgets. For people living with dementia and the families who support them, day care can be an essential part of how they continue to live well in their own communities.

These services can provide routine, social connection and meaningful support, while also giving unpaid carers valuable respite.

We're concerned about what these proposed closures could mean for people with dementia and their families, and the importance of being able to access the right support locally.

Dementia may bring changes, but it doesn’t define who someone is. With the right support and understanding, people can l...
25/09/2026

Dementia may bring changes, but it doesn’t define who someone is. With the right support and understanding, people can live well with dementia for many years.

For too many people across Scotland, getting a timely diagnosis and the right support is a challenge.

Everyone should have the opportunity to understand their diagnosis, access the support they need and feel confident about living well, wherever they live.

We can make this a reality.

This , we’re calling for action to improve dementia diagnosis across Scotland and ensure everyone can access the right support, at the right time.

Because everyone living with dementia deserves the chance to live well.

“My husband Ali was only 55 when he first started showing symptoms, but it took five years for him to be diagnosed with ...
24/09/2026

“My husband Ali was only 55 when he first started showing symptoms, but it took five years for him to be diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease.

“We spoke to different doctors but they wouldn’t listen when I tried to explain some of the changes I’d noticed in Ali. It was a nightmare. I think it was complicated by the fact he had other health conditions, and he was also relatively young at the time.

“I wish there was more awareness of the fact that dementia can affect younger people, because it’s so important to get that diagnosis as quickly as possible.

“When Ali was finally diagnosed I was so sad but also relieved because at least we knew what we were dealing with. It meant we could finally start planning for the future and looking to see what support was available.

“When we heard about Alzheimer Scotland’s centre in Aberdeen, we went along to find out more. The support, friendships and laughter we found there made such a difference to Ali and to me. I don’t know how we would have coped without it.

“Ali loved to sing and dance so I took him to all the music groups and events organised by Alzheimer Scotland. He absolutely loved it and the minute the songs started he’d be on the dance floor.

“I quickly realised the importance of maintaining social connections for people with dementia, and also for carers. Attending the music and other events organised by Alzheimer Scotland really brightened Ali up. I really believe that without that he would not have lived as well as he did for as long as he did.

“These groups also gave me a place to meet other people in a similar situation. It’s somewhere we can chat, laugh and cry together without any judgement and it’s been a real lifeline.

“Sadly, Ali passed away in 2025 aged 70. I miss him every day.

“I still go to the centre every week and also arrange regular evenings out and holidays away with the lovely friends I’ve made there.

“There are so many dementia services being cut now, which is why I do what I can to support Alzheimer Scotland who work so hard helping other families like mine who’ve been affected by dementia.”

Thank you to Diane for sharing her story. 💜

This , Diane and Ali's experience is a powerful reminder of why early diagnosis is so important. It can help families access the right support, plan for the future and live as well as possible.

Dementia can affect children too. Today, we’re raising awareness of childhood dementia.Childhood dementia is caused by m...
23/09/2026

Dementia can affect children too. Today, we’re raising awareness of childhood dementia.

Childhood dementia is caused by more than 100 rare genetic conditions, all of which are progressive and life-limiting. Conditions include Batten disease, Rett syndrome, Niemann-Pick disease and Sanfilippo syndrome.

Around 380 families in Scotland are estimated to be affected, yet many people are still unaware that childhood dementia exists.

Every child’s experience is unique. Symptoms can appear in infancy, childhood or the teenage years and may include memory loss, confusion, and a loss of speech or motor skills.

To learn more about childhood dementia, please visit our website at https://pulse.ly/0wqttrceme

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Aberdeen Memory Walk this weekend 💜It was brilliant to see so many pe...
22/09/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Aberdeen Memory Walk this weekend 💜

It was brilliant to see so many people come together at Aberdeen Sports Village to walk in memory of loved ones, make new memories and raise vital funds for people living with dementia and their carers.

There are still plenty of chances to join Scotland’s Memory Walk this autumn, with walks coming up in Tayside, Ayrshire, Inverness, Fife and Glasgow.

Find your nearest walk and sign up here: https://pulse.ly/l3vhulekno 👟💜

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day💜This year’s global theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosi...
21/09/2026

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day💜

This year’s global theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” focuses on the importance of early diagnosis and the difference it can make.

To mark the day members of the Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG) have shared what they want people to know about receiving a dementia diagnosis.

A diagnosis can be difficult to come to terms with, but it can also bring answers, access to support and treatment, new connections and time to plan for the future. Most importantly, a diagnosis does not mean that life stops.

If you’re worried about your memory, have recently received a diagnosis, or are supporting someone living with dementia, we’re here for you.

📞 Our 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline is available on 0808 808 3000.

Nobody should face dementia alone.

Music can be a powerful way to connect with positive memories and the people around us🎶This National Playlist Day, we’re...
18/09/2026

Music can be a powerful way to connect with positive memories and the people around us🎶

This National Playlist Day, we’re joining to celebrate personally meaningful music and the difference it can make for people living with dementia.

➡️Swipe through for a few simple prompts to help start building a playlist with someone you love.

“Caring for my wonderful dad Eddie as he lived with dementia completely changed me – for the better. I have learned so m...
17/09/2026

“Caring for my wonderful dad Eddie as he lived with dementia completely changed me – for the better. I have learned so much about myself, what I’m capable of, and how much joy and challenges dementia can bring to the person living with dementia and everyone close to them.

“But more than anything I’ve learned that more needs to be done. More research, more support, more conversation and more understanding.

“My experience of looking after dad showed that, with the right support, you really can live well with dementia. Yes there were tough days, but we also shared so much fun and laughter together.

“I was very lucky to have great support, from my sister Morag, my husband Darren, daughter Mia, from health and social care teams, and from Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour freephone dementia helpline. But I know that not everyone is so lucky, and that needs to change.

“My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease just as the pandemic started and a few years later me, my husband and daughter moved into his house to care for him, with dad living in a lovely big purpose-built cabin in the garden where we knew he was safe and comfortable.

“I was fortunate to be able to take redundancy from work to care for dad full time and I did my best to do an activity with him every day. Dad had always been a very active person, and even after his diagnosis he was always up for doing something.

“He loved our little adventures, even if it was just a walk around the local park, a trip to an art class, or playing tambourines while watching his favourite singer Andre Rieu. We had a blast, although there were times I had to change or cancel plans last minute if dad wasn’t quite at his best.

“Dad passed away in 2025, aged 83, and we all miss him every day. He was such a caring person who always helped others.

“It’s inspired me to continue the journey I started with dad by doing what I can to help other people living with dementia and their carers. I’ve become a member of Alzheimer Scotland and joined their National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN) to push for change.
“It’s great to know Alzheimer Scotland are fighting the cause and doing so much great work to make dementia a priority, because it’s something that is only going to increase. We need to be ready for it and I’m keen to do anything I can to help.”

Jen’s story shows that, with the right support, people can live well with dementia. 💜

This , we’re calling for better dementia care and support when it’s needed most.

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69 North Gyle Terrace
Edinburgh
EH128JY

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