A UNIVERSITY has launched a new partnership with a charity which aims to help improve the care of people with dementia.

Alzheimer Scotland has signed a deal which will involve closer links with The University of the West of Scotland (UWS), renowned as a leader in dementia-related teaching and research.

The charity already houses a centre for excellence at UWS and dementia care is embedded in the University’s nursing courses.

The new partnership will see both organisations focus on key priority areas in the care of patients and introduce a new annual winter lecture.

Karen Wilson, Dean of the University’s School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, said: “We are delighted to have further enhanced our links with Alzheimer Scotland, which has been a close partner of ours for so many years.

“The School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery is committed to making an important and lasting contribution to our society and this partnership will result in even more benefits to those living, and caring for a loved one with, dementia.”

Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today.

There are around 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and around 3200 are under the age of 65.

By the year 2020 there will be more than one million people living with dementia in the UK.

Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “It is hugely important for us to work in partnership with researchers who are dedicated to developing better practice in dementia.

“We must never lose sight of the people living with dementia today who can, and should, benefit from dementia research.

“University of the West of Scotland is at the forefront of developing new ideas and approaches to improve quality of care and quality of life for people with dementia and those who care for them.”

The Evening Times has launched a year-long campaign to help create a dementia friendly Glasgow.