East Dunbartonshire MP, Amy Callaghan, has signed up to be a Dementia Research Champion ahead of World Alzheimer Month in September.
Around 90,000 people in Scotland live with dementia, with 20,000 diagnosed every year. There is no cure for the disease with medication only temporarily improving symptoms.
That is why, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, further research is key to developing new treatments and potential cures, and to improving care for people with dementia.
But while 69 percent of adults say they would consider taking part in dementia research, 81 percent say they would not know how to get involved.
Ms Callaghan is now hoping to help raise awareness about dementia research by joining forces with Alzheimer Research UK to become a Dementia Research Champion.
Speaking after a visit to Alzheimer Scotland’s resource centre in Bearsden, the local MP said it was “crucial” that taking part in research is made “as easy as possible”.
Commenting, Amy Callaghan MP said:
“It’s great to see the support that is offered to people following a diagnosis in places like Alzheimer Scotland’s resource centre in Bearsden. It’s open to everyone who is diagnosed with dementia, and it’s personalised support.
“But while post-diagnosis support is important, I think we all want to see medical breakthroughs in the treatment of dementia. It’s a cruel disease that affects one in six people over eighty, and it’s devastating for people to watch the impact on their loved ones.
“That’s why I’ve signed up to be a Dementia Research Champion, and I pledge to do everything I can to help break down the barriers to research.”