A NEW three-year strategy for dementia has been published by the Scottish Government aimed at improving support for sufferers.

The 2017 to 2020 plan will build on progress made during the previous three years, including the provision of support following diagnosis, taking account of individual needs and circumstances.

It will also address the increasing proportion of older people developing dementia later in life, often alongside other chronic conditions.

Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “Ten years on from making dementia a national priority, good progress has been made in how we diagnose, treat and care for those affected.

“Therefore, I am pleased to publish this third dementia strategy, which I am sure will continue to drive progress and build further on our achievements so far.

“I am determined that we do more to make dementia care person- centred, responsive to the needs and circumstances of individuals, delivering the support they need from the moment of diagnosis and throughout their lives.

“We will work in partnership with integration authorities, care providers, dementia charities and carers’ organisations to deliver this strategy.

“Most importantly, close engagement with people with dementia, their families and carers will be at the heart of our approach.”

Alzheimer Scotland welcomed the strategy but warned it required local areas to maintain and increase their investment in dementia care.

Chief executive Henry Simmons said: “We recognise the good work taking place in many areas and would call on all integration authorities to follow this, ensuring that delivery of this strategy is given priority and resources so the aspirations become the reality for people living with dementia.”

Meanwhile, new research revealed that a higher intelligence in childhood was linked to a longer life. A study found that having a high IQ lowered the risk of dying by age 79 from heart disease, stroke, cancers linked to smoking and respiratory diseases.

There was also a lower risk of dying from injuries, digestive diseases and dementia, the study found.

Publishing their findings in the British Medical Journal, a team from Edinburgh University examined data for 33,536 men and 32,229 women born in Scotland in 1936.

Their intelligence was tested at age 11 and they were followed for 68 years until December 2015. After taking account of several factors that could have influenced the results, such as age, sex and socio-economic status, the researchers found that higher childhood intelligence was associated with a lower risk of death until age 79.

Other research published yesterday also revealed the extent to which Scotland fears the effects of dementia on themselves and their loved ones.

In a survey by Asda Pharmacy of over 2000 residents, half said that a loved one being diagnosed with dementia and taken into care is their worst fear. A further six in 10 confirmed they worry about developing dementia, whilst four in 10 said this is a greater concern than suffering from a terminal illness, losing mobility, or financial security.

Despite this fear almost half of Scots admitted they would wait some time before going to their GP for help.