By CAROLINE WILSON

STUDENTS from Glasgow University have pledged their support for families affected by dementia.

A Dementia Society has been set up to help raise awareness of the condition, focus on medical developments and raise funds for the charity Alzheimer’s Scotland.

The society now has 175 members, mostly medical students and many have been directly affected by the condition.

The society and Alzheimer Scotland have also worked together in the Dementia Friends Scheme, which involves students visiting dementia patients in care homes.

Dean McAvoy, president of the society said: “Most members of our society have personal experiences of dealing with dementia, whether that is through volunteer work or even caring for family members who suffer from it.

“In our first year, we put ran events to raise money, including a pub quiz, bake sales and Ceilidh.

“We also have members who work in care homes, supporting and caring for dementia patients.

““The society is mostly made up of medical students and we want to engage our members in the academic aspects of dementia.”

The Evening Times has launched a year-long campaign, which aims to shine a light on a condition, which is predicted to affect one in three of the population in future decades.

In October, the students will be swapping cake baking for running, when they take part in the Great Scottish Run. More than 20 students, aged 18-28 are taking on the half-marathon event,

Dean said: “We have a wide range of abilities; some people have taken part in the run many times before but there are also a lot of us who are on their first ever half-marathon.

“Once term starts again in September, we are keen to start training as a group.”

“With the support of Alzheimer Scotland, they’re hoping to fundraise even more to help those who suffer with dementia.”

To sponsor the University of Glasgow Dementia Society go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/uofgdementiasocietygreatscottishrun

To enter the Great Scottish Run go to www.greatscottishrun.com