Alzheimers & Dementia
Dementia affects 1 in 5 people over the age of 80. It is a decline in mental ability which affects memory, thinking, problem-solving, concentration and perception.
Some forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, are degenerative i.e. they get worse over time. Other forms of dementia, such as Vascular dementia, may be non-degenerative.
In this section you’ll find links to people who can help locally and organisations who can offer support at the end of the phone.
If you’d like to do some further reading, there is a wealth of information available online. There is also information for carers.
Local support
If you need emotional advice and support you can talk to your GP. If you require longer term assistance, ask your doctor about referring you to a counsellor. The following organisations can also help:
Alzheimer’s Scotland
Offers a range of support, information and advice for sufferers, carers and people who are worried about their memory. They also have an East Renfrewshire page .
Email: EastRenfrewshireServices@alzscot.org
Address: 128 Main Street, Barrhead, G78 1SG
Tel: 0141 880 4142 Fax: 0141 880 4143
Eastwood Dementia Project
Follows a holistic approach to Dementia care, providing support for the carer as well as the person for whom they care.
Email: eastwoodDementia@btopenworld.com
Tel: 0141 621 0133
Address: No 3 Cottage, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 7JS
Eastwood Older People’s Community Mental Health Team
Provide a responsive, client-focused, community based service for people aged 65 plus, Referrals are accepted from your GP and other health professionals. Contact the service for more information
The team provides access to the following services:
- Community Psychiatric Nurses
- Occupational Therapy
- Consultant Psychiatrist
- Psychology
Tel: 0141 304 7500
Address: Clarkston Clinic, 56 Clarkston Road, Clarkston, G76 7BN
For Barrhead, Uplawmoor and Neilston areas contact:
The Levern Valley Older People’s Team
Phone: 0141 577 8470
Address: Social Work Department, 63 Darnley Road, Barrhead G78 1TA
Phone support
It is good to talk to someone if you’re feeling low. To find out more information, view the website that accompanies these helplines by clicking on the organisation’s name.
Age Concern Scotland 0845 125 9732
Textphone: 0845 226 5851
(local rates, 10am-4pm Monday to Friday)
Whatever your questions, about community care, tax, pensions, benefits or any other issue, Age Concern’s Scottish Helpline for Older People will help you to find an answer.
Alzheimer Scotland 0808 808 3000
free, 24hrs
A confidential line for people who need information or emotional support on any issue to do with Dementia.
Samaritans 08457 90 9090
low rate, 24 hrs
Confidential non-judgemental emotional advice for people experiencing the feeling of distress or despair including suicidal feelings
Email: jo@samaritans.org
