MP calls for more research into dementia after death of mum

Mr McCluskey has paid a moving tribute to his mum Michaelene who passed away aged 78, six years after she was first diagnosed with dementia.

The newly elected Labour MP has spoken about his mum after the latest figures showed that Inverclyde has the highest national dementia death rates over the last five years.

Mr McCluskey praised the 'incredible' care teams who cared for his mum - a much loved Rankin and Inverclyde Royal midwife - both at home for five years and then also latterly in Bagatelle Care Home where she lived for the last 12 months.

His calls come as he continues to highlight the 'crisis in social care' and the need for more funding to support all families in need.

(Image: George Munro)

The Inverclyde MP, elected in July, said: "There needs to be more funding and more research into finding a cure, and improving the treatments for dementia.

"When you look at the last ten years and the advances in cancer treatment but there has not been anything like this for dementia. There has been research and some drugs, but it has to be a priority.

"In Inverclyde there are really good levels of support for those who need it and for families but it is never going to be enough."

Mr McCluskey had support from family and friends but he was sole carer for his mum and he says there were difficult steps along the way.

He said: "I would say to anyone to take that first step and go to see a doctor.

"You need to get the diagnosis to get full access to all the treatments that are available. But it is the hardest thing to do.

"My mum was diagnosed in 2017, but before that I had started to notice things.

"My mum was always really sharp and interested in everything that was going on, in the news.

"I started to notice the questions first and then they were repeated. Then it would be a shorter and shorter time."

Read more: Inverclyde has highest dementia death rates in Scotland

This Saturday, September 7, marks the first anniversary of Michaelene's death.

He said: "My mum wanted to stay in her own home and she did for almost of all that time. The hardest decision is to move your loved ones into a care home.

"But we benefited from a year from the committed professionals and the compassionate care in Bagatelle. It prolonged my mum's life and gave her a quality of life.

"Not everyone gets that chance.

"There are a lot of difficult decisions to be made around dementia when you are a loved one.

"I can't thank the home support carers who were mostly from Inverclyde Council who looked after her at home and then in Bagatelle.

"They were incredible, we had really good support the whole way through."

Mr McCluskey also says one of the main priorities should be ensuring that the full support is in place from the first diagnosis.

He said: "I would hope it has improved. I felt in 2017 that we were left to our own devices to find our way."

In his maiden speech in parliament he spoke about the influence his family including his late parents, on his life.

Mr McCluskey added: "I have never really spoken about it before, because I felt like it was not my story to tell.

"But I feel it is the right time to raise awareness because getting better treatment and improving the experience for the person with dementia and their families need to be a priority.

"There are so many families out there in the same situation and I just want people to know that there is support out there.

"I have dealt with so many cases for constituents as a councillor.

"My mum gave her life to the service of others."

Mr McCluskey, a former member of the health board and also a member of the social work and social care panel and integrated joint board, has repeatedly raised concerns about funding of health and social care.

He has been a critic of the way the national care service has been set up.