Rise in the number of people treated for dementia in the Scottish Borders
The number of people being treated for dementia in the Scottish Borders has risen sharply in the last three years.
Figures from NHS Scotland show 944 people in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire were prescribed medicines for the condition in 2016.
This has risen by 45% since 2013, when the number of people receiving treatment was at 648.
Overall, there are more than 2,200 people living with a diagnosis in the Scottish Borders, with almost 100 of those being under the age of 65.
These numbers are expected to double as life expectancy increases, with more and more people affected by the difficulties of living with the condition.
What is dementia?
The NHS describes dementia as a group of symptoms linking to an ongoing decline of brain functioning. This may include problems with:
memory loss
thinking speed
mental sharpness and quickness
language
understanding
judgement
mood
movement
difficulties carrying out daily activities
NHS Borders provides post diagnostic support for patients and their families, including:
help to plan for the future
understanding of diagnosis
general health
help to keep patients involved in their community
peer support
MSP Rachael Hamilton said:
The Associate Director of Nursing for Mental Health commented: