Dementia

Judges are to be trained to spot the signs of dementia in defendants amid an increase in the number of citizens finding themselves in court for the first time over petty crimes. Solicitor Mark Hatzer, 53, who is also a deputy district judge, has created a course for judges to aid them in identifying

Rising dementia rates have prompted calls for Scots to get their affairs in order as they enter old age, The Herald reports. The number of people with dementia is expected to rise by 50 per cent in the next two decades.

Scottish courts would impose tougher sentences on criminals who target the elderly under proposed laws. Adults with dementia or chronic illnesses will be given new protections to prevent their mistreatment.