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It’s time for Frank’s Law: number of under-65s treated for dementia up by a third

Amanda Kopel.
Amanda Kopel.

Ministers are under intense pressure to make Frank’s Law a reality as it was revealed the number of younger people with dementia is rocketing.

New figures show 808 Scots aged between 15 and 64 are being treated for the devastating illness, compared to 2009/10 when fewer than 600 were living with the disease, an increase of more than a third.

Dundee United legend Frank Kopel and his wife Amanda paid around £300 a week for him to have personal care in his Kirriemuir home after he was diagnosed with dementia aged 59.

Mrs Kopel said: “Frankie did not need help with personal care when he was first diagnosed, and he was able to live as normal a life as was possible, and even hold onto this job for a while.

“However as he deteriorated, he lost his sight in one eye, he became doubly incontinent, his mobility became more difficult, his brain was dying rapidly.

“He was being robbed of his life, bit by bit, day by day, with a disease which had not been self inflicted, neither was it a life choice. It was both heartbreaking and soul destroying, watching him forget his family, his life and who he was.”

The former left back was eligible for just 19 days of free personal care before his death in April 2014 despite living with the illness for nearly six years.

The Conservatives, who are backing Mrs Kopel and The Courier’s bid to end discrimination against younger sufferers, said it is now vital ministers finally act.

Miles Briggs, the party’s mental health spokesman, said: “Frank’s Law campaigners have worked hard to ensure politicians are acutely aware of the challenges faced by those who are struck by dementia at an unusually young age.

“We now need to take that on and ensure this is put into legislation, and I hope the Scottish Government enables that to happen.”

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Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs
Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs

 

 

Health Secretary Shona Robison said ministers are “transforming” dementia treatment so more people have their independence for longer at home.

She added: “The Scottish Government is committed to committed to protecting free personal and nursing care, and to examining the extension of free personal and nursing care to those under 65.

“We have already invested £6 million to increase the income threshold at which someone becomes liable for charges, and we will continue to take action to make the system fairer still.”