Cautioning the Scottish government that the number of dementia patients in Scotland would likely increase by about 60,000 within a generation, a charity organization - Alzheimer Scotland - has urged the government to invest nearly £15 million per year, for the next five years, to help people diagnosed with dementia.

Noting that the increase in the number of dementia patients would put increased pressure on dementia services, the charity drew the government's attention to the studies suggesting that health and social care budgets can be reduced by half if the symptoms of dementia can be delayed by five years.

As such, Alzheimer Scotland said that the proposed yearly funding from the government would equip the local authorities and NHS boards with finances required for an early involvement to help delay the onset of dementia - a move that would ultimately have a "significant impact" in the social and economic cost pertaining to the ailment.

With the government already acknowledging that dementia was a "national priority," Alzheimer Scotland CEO Henry Simmons remarked: "There is no greater public health issue than dementia. An increase in numbers from nearly 70,000 today to around 127,000 within a generation leaves us with no option but to prepare, plan and provide for increasing need and demand. We can meet these needs - but we must act decisively and we must act now."