Deaths associated with Alzheimer's and other dementias have increased with Greater Glasgow and Clyde having one of the higher mortality rates.

The latest figures have revealed that deaths in Glasgow have risen since 2021 with 544 deaths recorded to have been caused by Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board deaths have increased from 1,209 in 2021 to 1,223 in 2022 - Whilst across Scotland deaths have further increased by 231 to 6,277 in 2022.

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The explanation given for the rising figure has been attributed "partly" to the increasing life expectancy across the country, especially among females with women accounting for two-thirds of the deaths.

Daniel Burns, head of vital events statistics, said: "Deaths from dementias are one of the highest causes of death in Scotland. The mortality rate for 2022 is twice what it was in 2000. 

“The increase may partly be driven by increasing life expectancy, particularly among females, and the high number of children born in the post-war years reaching the age at which Alzheimer’s and other dementias are the leading cause of death."

More than 80% of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias occurred in people aged over 80.

Sixty-four percent of the deaths took place in care homes while 22% were in hospitals and 14% at home or in non-institutional settings.

Those in the most deprived areas have been said to be 1.3 times more likely to die from dementia than those in the least deprived areas. 

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Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: "Dementia remains the leading cause of death for women in Scotland and the total number of deaths has increased over the last year.

"These figures represent the need to address dementia as the public health priority it is and to act now to tackle the ongoing challenges experienced by people with dementia across all areas of their lives.

"Alarmingly, the rate of deaths from dementia has more than doubled over the last 20 years and we know that this figure will only continue to increase as the number of people living with dementia in Scotland continues to rise."

Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline is available on 0808 808 3000.