Ground-breaking educational and research initiatives to improve the lives of those living with dementia have been highlighted in a new report.

Launched at an event taking place at the University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) Paisley campus on 24 April, the report documents the recent successes of the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice (ASCPP), which is based at UWS.

The report highlights   the renewal of a new Strategic Partnership Agreement with Alzheimer Scotland and the development of a pioneering Carers’ Academy.

At the event, the Centre’s new Director, Professor Louise Ritchie, also delivered her inaugural professorial lecture, which focused on living a purposeful life with dementia: identity, personhood and wellbeing.

Louise takes on the role of Director of the ASCPP following the retirement of Professor Debbie Tolson, who led the Centre for 12 years and remains an emeritus professor at UWS.

Professor Louise Ritchie said: “Over the last two years, we have enjoyed some significant successes, including the launch of a new Strategic Partnership Agreement with Alzheimer Scotland, which will see us strengthen our collaboration in dementia education, research, and policy through to 2027.

“We have also opened two new Carers’ Academy hubs - the first at UWS’s Dumfries campus and the second based in the grounds of Strathcaron Hospital in Angus. Our Carers’ Academy  has educated over 600 family carers across the four hubs in the last two years, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to support and care for their relatives with dementia.”

Over the last two years, we have enjoyed some significant successes, including the launch of a new Strategic Partnership Agreement with Alzheimer Scotland, which will see us strengthen our collaboration in dementia education, research, and policy through to 2027.

Professor Louise Ritchie, Director of the ASCPP

The event also paid tribute to Tony Worthington, a retired politician and a member of the Scottish Dementia Working Group, a close partner of the ASCPP. He was awarded the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice celebration medal, after the Centre was inspired by Tony and his wife Angela’s commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia.

Professor Louise Ritchie added: “It is fitting that we celebrate a man who has been influential in both the direction of our Centre and the wider landscape for support of people affected by dementia. Tony has supported the work of ASCPP for many years. Tony’s contributions are always thoughtful, impactful, and driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of people with dementia at a political and societal level. Tony’s dedication continues to inspire all of us at ASCPP, and I know his colleagues in the Scottish Dementia Working Group echo our respect and admiration for him.”

The event was hosted by Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS.

He said: “In a time when dementia touches the lives of millions, the work of the Centre is more important than ever and continues to have an incredibly positive impact on people’s lives and wider society for those living with dementia and their families, loved ones and carers.

“Dementia is a major public health challenge but one that the Centre is equipped to help tackle, whether that’s supporting the next generation of health professionals and leaders to improve dementia practice and services, or the impactful, internationally recognised dementia research undertaken by the ASCPP. As our population ages, the need for compassionate, informed, and inclusive support becomes more pressing than ever and its clear the critical role the ASCPP plays in shaping this.

“The work of the ASCPP is directly addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs); particularly Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). Congratulations to the ASCPP on the launch of its latest report.”

Dementia is a major public health challenge but one that the Centre is equipped to help tackle, whether that’s supporting the next generation of health professionals and leaders to improve dementia practice and services, or the impactful, internationally recognised dementia research undertaken by the ASCPP.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We are delighted to continue to work in partnership with the ASCPP team. The opportunity to work with people who are so committed to enhancing the lives of the dementia community by promoting and championing excellence in dementia policy and practice is wonderful.”

You can view the latest ASCPP report here.