GPs believe dementia patients are being failed by health and social care services, with many saying they do not feel they have had sufficient training to deal with people with the condition themselves.

A poll of 1,000 UK GPs by the Alzheimer's Society found three quarters believe their patients are forced to depend on their families, friends, neighbours and other unpaid carers for support because they do not receive it from the authorities.

Almost 90,000 people in Scotland are thought to have some form of the condition.

But three in five GPs (61per cent) say lack of cooperation between the NHS and social care acts as a barrier to patients getting support, while 73per cent also think patients, families and carers are left confused by the health and social care system.

The survey also suggests patients' lack of access to services may be undermining a national drive to improve rates of dementia diagnosis, with more than a quarter of GPs (27per cent) admitting they would be less likely to refer people with suspected dementia for diagnosis if support services are not in place.

The charity said the poll of more than 1,000 UK GPs demonstrates how hundreds of thousands of people are being let down, and called for the Government to ensure that everyone diagnosed with dementia is entitled to a full package of support including a Dementia Adviser.

It also wants to see better help and support available for carers, with a single point of contact available to help them navigate the health and social care system.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: "Our survey gives a stark view from the doctor's surgery of people with dementia left struggling in the aftermath of a diagnosis.

"GPs report an endemic and deeply worrying lack of support available from health and social services, with relatives left to pick up the pieces alone.

"People can need a lot of help to live well with dementia. Families and friends are a vital source of support but they mustn't be relied on to do everything."

The Scottish Government has previously stated that it is important everyone receives safe, effective care at all stages of the illness and in all care settings, regardless whether that applies to the home, in hospital or in residential care.