The number of people living with dementia in the north-east has increased by more than 44% in the last decade, according to new figures released by NHS Grampian.
New research shows that around 9,600 people across the region currently suffer from the degenerative disease.
In Aberdeen, 3,455 individual cases have been recorded, with 4,325 in Aberdeenshire, and 1,829 in Moray.
Across Scotland, the number of dementia patients is estimated to be around 90,000.
The latest findings were discussed at a special conference at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre yesterday.
The event highlighted the latest research in combating the devastating condition, and raised awareness of the support on offer across the country for patients and their families.
Maureen Watt MSP opened the conference and said: “We have made good progress in Scotland over the past decade in how we diagnose, treat and care for those with dementia.
“Working with NHS Grampian and health boards across the country, we can build on the progress made so far.”
Alasdair Walker, the head of mental health for Moray and chairman of the conference, added: “The latest estimates indicate there are now almost 10,000 people living with dementia in Grampian.
“That’s a significant increase on even 10 years ago and, as we are all living longer, we expect the number of people affected to continue to rise.
“In some ways that doesn’t tell the whole story, however. Dementia affects more than just the person who is living with the disease. It has also dramatic impact on carers, families and friends and we all need to be aware of that.
“That’s why it’s important that we make sure we’ve got the right support in place for everyone who is affected.”
Dementia Awareness Scotland Week takes place next week, and many community groups across the country will mark the occasion by highlighting the support on offer.
One such group is the Aberdeen FC Community Trust, which offers dementia-friendly activity sessions all year round such as walking football, healthy walks and aerobics.
Steven Sweeney, Community Operations Manager for AFC Community Trust said: “As the number of people affected by dementia in the North-east continues to rise, we are working to provide support to individuals and their carers to help them lead fulfilling lives.
“We currently run more than ten weekly activities for people with dementia, with more than 100 people attending each week, and we engage with our participants to ensure we offer the kind of activities they enjoy.
“These include our football memories sessions where ex-players take the opportunity to present memorabilia to our participants and talk about previous matches and experiences, as well as our physical activity sessions, such as the popular walking football classes.
“We also recently organised an afternoon disco because the participants told us they don’t get the chance to get out socially that often or sometimes don’t feel comfortable doing so.
“The most important thing we try to do is to take away the stigma that people living with dementia can’t lead an active and social life.
“AFCCT is here to support those affected in the local community and, within Pittodrie, all our customer-facing staff are dementia-friendly trained to ensure that we provide the best possible match-day experience for all of our fans.”
To find out more, call 01224 650400, or email dementiafriendly@afccommunitytrust.org