OLDER PEOPLE are terrified of falling victim to dementia, according to a Dundee councillor, writes Marjory Inglis, health reporter.

Helen Wright, the city’s Older People’s Champion, spoke up as health bosses were discussing producing a dementia strategy for the city.

They admit that services provided for people with dementia do not meet targets for early diagnosis and intervention.

In addition, it is acknowledged that an increasingly elderly population will place an increasing demand on community care services in the future.

NHS Tayside, in conjunction with the city council, is to set up a Dundee Dementia Strategic Planning Group and produce a strategy, with a view to redesigning services.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of diseases that involve progressive loss of mental functions and a person’s ability to look after themselves.

Those afflicted become increasingly dependent.

It is estimated more than 2000 people in Dundee have dementia, with over 500 of those requiring social care and support.

The condition occurs most frequently in older age groups but can also occur in younger people.

Mrs Wright said, “I know from my work with older people this is the one thing everybody is really frightened of. They are frightened they may have dementia.”

Dundee Community Health Partnership general manager David Lynch said the Scottish Government expected to see a “significant increase” in the percentage of the population identified and provided with a diagnosis.