Dementia support service launched

There are 940 people living with Dementia in the Inverclyde area

A new service offering increased advice and support to people with early stage dementia, and their carers, has been launched in Inverclyde.

There are around 940 people with dementia living in the Inverclyde area and that number is expected to rise to 1150 over the next two years.

The new service will be managed by Alzheimer Scotland and funded by the Fairer Scotland Fund.

It aims to increase early diagnosis of the condition.

Last year the Scottish government called for a 33% increase in diagnosis and improved management of dementia by each NHS board by 2011.

Local politicians, health professionals, carers and support workers attended the launched of the new service at the council's headquarters on Monday.