Ross Finnie, Scottish Lib Dem health spokesman, said the SNP was now committed to action.

‘The scale of dementia in Scotland is quite frightening. The possibility that there may be a 70% increase over the next 20 years is very alarming.

‘In treating dementia, a person-centred strategy is essential. Liberal Democrats believe that by concentrating the solution on the individual, we are much more likely to produce the right solution to the population as a whole.

‘It is important, however, that ministers do not simply do nothing whilst the strategy is being developed. There is still room for action to be taken ahead of April 2010.'

Public health minister Shona Robison confirmed: ‘Dementia is a national priority for the Scottish government - we've set a national target on early diagnosis, we're investing in support immediately after diagnosis and have issued specialist guidance on dementia patients to A&Es and acute hospitals.

‘As Scots are living longer, the number of people affected by dementia is likely to increase by around three quarters over the next two decades. That's why planning for the future is vital and we expect to publish our dementia strategy in the spring.'

England's dementia strategy was published in February.