Politicians and charity leaders will gather today to celebrate 10 years since Scotland became the first country in the world to create a dedicated bill of rights for people living with dementia.

A parliamentary reception will be held tonight, marking progress made in the care, treatment and support of patients and their families as well as identifying future priorities.

Estimates suggest around 90,000 Scots are affected by dementia and 20,000 more are expected to receive a diagnosis next year.

The Charter resulted in dementia being included in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) for the first time.

Speakers at tonight’s event will include Jeane Freeman Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and Henry Simmons Chief Executive at Alzheimer Scotland.

The Evening Times and our sister title The Herald are backing a campaign by the charity, which is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure people with advanced dementia have access to free medical care, like those suffering from other terminal illnesses.

Read more: ' This is an injustice and an inequality': Government urged to end 'unfair' dementia health charges.

Alzheimer Scotland say individuals and their families are facing “disproportionate” charges because their needs are being assessed as social care rather than health care. The Liberal Democrats are the first political party to commit to a manifesto pledge in support of the Fair Dementia Care campaign.

The charity is jointly hosting tonight’s event with The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland.

Read more: Poorly resourced nurse training blamed for dementia abuse cases

Henry Simmon, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “Since the signing of the Charter of Rights in 2009, Scotland has made important progress, with some of the world’s most progressive dementia policies.

“Celebrating the 10 year anniversary has been an opportunity to consider what we have achieved for people living with dementia, their families and their carers, and commit to what we must do now and in the years ahead.

“It is our country’s most pressing public health issue and one we must continue to prioritise nationally,”

Irene Oldfather, Director of The Alliance, added: “On the 10-year Anniversary of the Charter of Rights, we have much to celebrate and much to commit to ensure further progress is made for people living with dementia and their carers.”

To support Alzheimer Scotland’s Fair Care campaign go to www.alzscot.org/fair-dementia-care-sign-up-form