improve the lives of those living with dementia.

Our Vision

Mission

To promote the best practice in the development of services of care and support of all those living with dementia and their carers.

Activities

To provide grants and other financial awards, with the aim of:

  • supporting the provision of information, advice, support, education, training and other services relating to or ancillary to the needs of those living with dementia

  • promoting improvement in the care and support for those living with dementia by disseminating best practice and up-to-date information through knowledge transfer in Scotland and throughout the world

  • enhancing public knowledge and understanding of dementia.

Approach

In pursuing its Vision, the Trust will follow these principles:

  • Proactive

  • Pump priming

  • Partnership

Core Values

Our core values are driven by a desire to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers, to support scientific excellence, to operate with the highest standards of integrity and independence and to work with partners who value collaboration and respect.

Improving the lives of people with dementia, their carers, and those who work with them is fundamental to our aims and objectives.

Supporting science means valuing evidence.  Dementia is a complex condition that presents differently in every individual, family, and society.  As a result, the paradigm for determining what really works to improve lives is complex and different from clinical trials.   The Trust embraces that complexity.

Integrity in this field is crucial.  Honest debate about what makes a difference is at risk from the overwhelming need to demonstrate results.  The Dementia Services Development Trust will continue to be hopeful of improvement without exaggerating success.

Collaboration is essential in dementia care improvements.  The Trust recognizes the challenge presented by this in what has become, since we were established over thirty five years ago, a crowded, confusing and at times competitive landscape.

To show respect for people with dementia and their carers is our ultimate aim.