§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of Alzheimer's disease have been identified within Scotland; how many of those affected are(a) hospitalised, (b) in residential care and (c) being cared for in the community; and what further assistance he proposes to provide to carers.
§ Mr. StewartThe figures requested are not available. However, there were 4,666 patients with dementia in mental illness hospitals and psychiatric units at the end of 1992. There were 4,145 people in residential homes for the elderly reported by the homes as being mentally confused at 31 March 1992. Estimates suggest that there are up to about 90,000 people suffering from some form of dementia. An estimated 60 per cent. of these suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
Local authorities have lead responsibility for assisting carers. It is for authorities to decide the particular services which they provide, drawing on the substantial resources provided for the implementation of community care.