The Fife Dementia Strategy: 2010 – 2020 - The Knowledge Network

SECTION 1
Purpose & Scope of the Strategy
1.1 The purpose of the Strategy is to provide realistic and achievable
recommendations supported by an implementation plan which will lead
to service improvement and development over the next 10 years, and
which will better meet the needs of people with dementia and their
carers.
1.2 The Strategy is not written to provide detailed clinical guidance. Clinical
guidance is provided through two documents produced by The Scottish
Intercollegiate Guidance Network (SIGN) 2 , and the National Institute for
Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in partnership with the Social
Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) 3 .
1.3 The Strategy is designed to be inclusive of all types of dementia in all
groups affected including people under the age of 65. It has been
written specifically for Fife, Scotland and has been developed in light of
the local context and services available.
Understanding Dementia
1.4 Dementia is a generic term which is used to refer to a loss of
intellectual and cognitive function including memory loss, significant
deterioration in the ability to carry out day-to-day activities, and
changes in social behaviour 4 . There are many different conditions
which fit under the umbrella term of dementia. These include
Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies
and fronto-temporal lobe dementia. More than one of these conditions
can be present in the same person, this is known as ‘mixed dementia’
and most often occurs with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular
dementia. The causes of these conditions are generally not well
understood, however research continues to uncover new information
and is a valuable contributor to understanding the needs of people with
dementia.
1.5 Dementia affects men and woman from all social and ethnic groups.
The symptoms vary from person to person based on a number of
factors which are not well understood. In addition to their dementia,
individuals may develop other behavioural, psychological and physical
symptoms and conditions which complicate their care. People with a
learning disability are particularly at risk. The impact of dementia is felt
by all, and this Strategy is designed to address the needs of all
affected, particularly people with dementia and their family and carers.
2 SIGN (2006). Guideline 86: Management of patients with dementia.
3 NICE/SCIE (2006). Dementia: Supporting people with dementia and their carers in health
and social care.
4 SIGN (2006).