Eastwood MSP, Jackson Carlaw has highlighted the importance of the annual Dementia Awareness Week to drive forward improvements in support for people who are living with the condition.
The purpose of the annual event is to increase awareness of the condition and enhance the lives of individuals who have received a diagnosis of dementia.
The theme for Dementia Awareness Week 2024 was: Your Voice, Your Care, Your Future.
This reflects that each individual with dementia has their own unique experience and there is a diversity of needs, preferences and aspirations for people living who are living with the condition.
Mr Carlaw met with representatives of Alzheimer Scotland in Edinburgh to discuss the vital work carried out by the charity and he joined with MSP representatives from across Holyrood to mark the annual event.
Mr Carlaw also praised the efforts of a former staff member, Euan Waddell who raised thousands of pounds for Alzheimer Scotland by running the Edinburgh Marathon.
Mr Waddell was brought up in Giffnock and he has raised more than £2,900 for the charity to honour his grandfather who sadly passed last year.
Alzheimer Scotland support a range of organisations including Mearnskirk Helping Hands and the Newton Mearns based group provided excellent assistance to Euan's family.
This year’s Dementia Awareness Week took place between 27th May and 2nd June.
Alzheimer Scotland operates a freephone twenty-four dementia helpline and the contact number is 0808 808 3000.
Jackson Carlaw MSP for Eastwood said:
“Dementia Awareness Week is a very important event in the annual calendar and Alzheimer Scotland has done a great job in raising awareness of the condition.
“The charity offers crucial support for people who are living with dementia and to ensure that nobody has to face the condition on their own.
“The Alzheimer Scotland website provides a range of comprehensive information on dementia and the charity also has a twenty-four helpline.
“I congratulate my former Head of Office, Euan Waddell on his terrific achievement in completing the Edinburgh Marathon and to raise thousands of pounds for Alzheimer Scotland in memory of his grandfather.
“A truly fantastic effort and well done to Euan.”
Further Information:
The first picture is of Euan with his medal after completing the Edinburgh Marathon.
The second picture is Jackson supporting the work of Alzheimer Scotland at Holyrood.