A new campaign to challenge the stigma around dementia has been launched.

Argyll and Bute residents have been asked to "Rethink Dementia" and encourage people to continue everyday activities with friends or relatives diagnoses with the condition.

The effort by the Scottish Government in partnership with local government body Cosla was created in collaboration with a National Dementia Lived Experience Panel.

It emphasises the importance of maintaining relationships with those living with dementia.

Research has shown that staying in contact with and including individuals diagnosed with the condition in social activities can help alleviate symptoms of depression, agitation, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and apathy that often come with dementia.

In Scotland, an estimated 90,000 people are affected by dementia, with 3,000 of these individuals under the age of 65.

Irene, 61, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at 53, said: "When I was first diagnosed my friends weren’t being themselves.

"Some friends just walked away but others stayed, and some were behaving differently. I had to remind them that I was still the same person that loves going to the gym, having fun, and gossiping about the things we always did.

"Being able to still do these things together really helps me."

Neil Gray, cabinet secretary for health and social care, said: "When a friend or relative is diagnosed with dementia it’s natural not to know what to do. It can be an upsetting and daunting time, but it’s important for all of us to play a supportive role in helping our friends and family.

“There are many practical steps we can take to help the people closest to us to lead fulfilling lives and stay well for longer.”

Dr Tom Russ, an NHS Consultant Old Age psychiatrist and researcher at the University of Edinburgh, said it is crucial to stay in touch and help loved ones maintain their usual social activities or try something new together.

Speaking about the campaign, Paul Kelly, spokesperson for Health and Social Care at COSLA, said: “It highlights very clearly the simple ways that we can support people with dementia to stay connected to their local communities.”