Rugby star Henry Pyrgos is Alzheimer Scotland's latest Dementia Friend, with the project aiming to spread awareness of the condition

Tens of thousands of Scots have pledged to learn more about dementia.

Scotland rugby star Henry Pyrgos has become Alzheimer Scotland’s latest Dementia Friend.

The Glasgow Warriors scrum-half is one of 50,000 people across the country who have joined the initiative, which aims to teach people about what they can do in their daily lives to help people with the condition.

Having seen the effects of dementia first hand, following the experiences of his grandfather, Pyrgos was keen to support the charity.

He said: “It’s great to become part of the Dementia Friends initiative, which has helped me to learn and understand more about the challenges faced for people living with dementia as well as their family and friends.

“It’s something that has affected my family personally and it’s great to see that there are now over 50,000 Dementia Friends.”

The initiative aims to give people more insight in to dementia and the real challenges people living with the condition face. It demonstrates the small changes that can often make a big difference to people living with dementia such as adapting how you speak, giving clear information, removing some of the challenges that can cause confusion and changing behaviour - such as simply being patient in a queue.

Anne McWhinnie, Dementia Friends programme manager for Alzheimer Scotland, said: “Our mission is to help make everyday life better for people living with dementia, and change the way the nation thinks, talks and acts when it comes dementia.

“By becoming a Dementia Friend, Henry has committed to spreading greater awareness of the condition and of the urgent need for a dementia friendly society.”