MSPs learn of “frontline research” in dementia on visit to University of Stirling

Two Scottish MSPs with interests in housing, equality and older people have visited the University of Stirling to learn about its advances in improving the lives of people living with dementia.

Academics and researchers at the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) shared their internationally recognised research on older people with Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, and Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.

In a tour of the DSDC, Lesley Palmer, Chief Architect and Interim Director of the DSDC, and Professor Malcom MacLeod, Senior Deputy Principal at the University of Stirling, spoke about the Centre’s internationally recognised work to improve lives for people with dementia.

Lesley said; “An important part of our work at the University of Stirling to improve the lives of older persons, and particularly those with dementia, is to share our frontline research, ideas and accomplishments. It is only by working together – as communities, influencers and academics – that we can bring about change and make effective plans for tomorrow’s society. That is why we were delighted to welcome Miles Briggs MSP to the Centre to see for himself the dedicated work that goes on here.”

Mr Briggs is Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party spokesperson for local government and social justice and sits on the Scottish Parliament’s committees on both local government, housing and planning, and social justice and social security.

He said: “This was my first detailed tour of the Centre and I am grateful to the University of Stirling for sharing this truly valuable work. My hope is that topics such as ageing and dementia become commonplace in public conversation and policy making in Scotland, and to that end I look forward to future collaboration with DSDC.”

Mr Stewart is Shadow Minister for Older People for the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and a local resident of Bridge of Allan.

He said: “I am always impressed by the DSDC’s work and it is important, as MSPs, that we remain engaged and active with the University of Stirling’s ongoing strides in the area of dementia and older people.”