CAMPAIGNERS for the elderly have called for better support for people diagnosed with dementia.

Age Scotland said that those in the early stages of the disease should have access to a link worker who would provide them with support and information.

The Scottish Government pledged to ensure that this support would be available to people with dementia for a year after diagnosis, but new figures show that a significant number of people are missing out.

Figures published by BBC Scotland reveal a postcode lottery when it comes to accessing services. In Greater Glasgow, 75 per cent of those eligible received the support, while in Lothian the figure falls to just over half and in Grampian the level is 59 percent. Tayside came top of the table with nearly all patients receiving support.

The study was undertaken to coincide with World Alzheimer's Day

Richard Baker, Age Scotland Early Stage Dementia Policy Officer said: “Early support and advice for people with dementia is crucial so that they can be helped to manage the condition and plan ahead for the future.

"That is why the Scottish Government's guarantee to provide a link worker to people with dementia for a year after diagnosis is such an important and welcome initiative.”

“We have become aware that many people are missing out on this support because of staff shortages, and these figures released today show the extent of the problem."

He added: "It is now crucial that local health and social care partnerships work with the Scottish Government to ensure this national commitment is met locally in all parts of the country. The resources must be made available so that this guarantee is met and people receive the support they need in the early stages to live well with dementia in the future.”

The Scottish government said Scotland was the only part of the UK to offer such support. A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "We're working to deliver our ambition that everyone newly diagnosed with dementia receives a minimum of a year's worth of support. While progress has been made there is clearly more to be done.

"Later this year we will publish the first robust statistics for the implementation of these services at a local level, for 2014-15.

"We're working closely with our partners to support the delivery and measurement of this important and innovative service. Scotland is the only part of the UK to make a national commitment on dementia post-diagnostic support."