Better support for people with dementia is needed as the death rate rises.

A new NRS report has revealed that in 2022 the number of dementia deaths in West Dunbartonshire rose by more than a fifth compared to the previous year. Although the figure has fallen in Argyll and Bute over the last two years, the dementia death rate in Argyll and Bute is now almost twice as high as it was in 2000. In West Dunbartonshire, it is more than three times as high as it was in 2000.

The poorest communities have again been hit hardest, with people from the most deprived areas 1.3 times more likely to die of dementia compared to those in the least deprived areas, adversely impacting on West Dunbartonshire.

Some 64 percent of these deaths were in care homes, sparking fresh calls for greater support for care homes and social care.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP warned that the immense pressure on social care and the crisis in our NHS are taking a toll on dementia patients, and called on the Scottish Government to improve the support available.

Latest figures show the Scottish Government has failed to meet key targets on post diagnostic support for those with dementia.

Jackie Baillie said: “This tragic rise in dementia deaths must be a call to action to improve the support available. The figures for West Dunbartonshire are far worse than the Scottish average. This shows that there needs to be targeted support here.

“Under the SNP social care is at breaking point and our NHS is in chaos. Dementia patients are paying the price and their families are being left devastated by their deaths.

“It is essential that care homes and social care services have the resources they need to deliver the highest possible standard of care for those with dementia.

“The SNP must act now to improve dementia care – from delivering the right post-diagnostic support to fixing the chaos in health and social care to investing in research.”