Glasgow's Dementia Strategy has been hailed as world leading in a prestigious global study.

The city ranked second out of 30 cities across the world for dementia innovation in a report by the Global Coalition of Aging (GCOA), Alzheimer's disease International (ADI) and the Lien Foundation.

Glasgow's three year strategy was developed by Glasgow City Health & Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP), in collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland, people with dementia, their families and carers. It was launched in 2016 with priorities including the provision of resources to enable people with dementia to continue living in the community, reducing stigma and increasing social engagement on the issue.

The global study highlights that Glasgow’s dementia strategy “offers a template for cities looking to improve early detection and diagnosis”, recognising that a diagnosis is a gateway to support for people with dementia, their carers and families in terms of treatment and care planning.

At an operational level, training has been provided for hundreds of people caring for loved ones with dementia at home; the city has a network of dementia cafes and support groups; link workers co-ordinate care for individuals; there is a Dementia Resource Centre in Bridgeton and short breaks are provided to offer carers respite.

Technology is also being used to help people remain as independent as possible - this can include sensors on doors and GPS trackers to ensure people who go missing can be found. 

Ann Cummings, GCHSCP Dementia Strategy 2016 lead said: “Glasgow’s Dementia Strategy demonstrates the importance of the partnership working between Alzheimer’s Scotland, Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Importantly, this has included facilitating the involvement of a range of people with dementia, their families and carers along with a wide range of other stakeholders to inform the key themes reflected in Glasgow’s first Dementia Strategy.”

Stephen Fitzpatrick, GCHSCP Assistant Chief Officer for Older People’s Services said: “This recognition at an international level in a global study on dementia innovation is a massive achievement for Glasgow and is testament to what can be achieved by partnership working across social work, health and the third sector to improve health and social care services for people with dementia and their families.”

Read the full story https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/26383/Praise-for-Glasgows-World-Leading-Dementia-Strategy

Link to Strategy https://glasgowcity.hscp.scot/sites/default/files/publications/Glasgow_Dementia_Strategy_WEB.pdf