A Largs woman whose father has a serious form of dementia has called for people to be more aware of the condition and more considerate of those who suffer from it.

Wilma Mitchell contacted the ‘News’ having been upset by the attitude of a small number of people towards her 74-year-old father, Hugh Hood.

She told us: “I have been upset by the reactions of some people when I take my father out and hope that I can make more people aware of the condition and perhaps react more positively in the future - not just to my dad, but to everyone in this position.” Wilma’s father — a crane driver who worked at the steel works in Kilbirnie — developed dementia after his wife died aged just 53. He was forced to give up his job when he developed tuberculosis and later fell into a downward spiral.

Wilma, who is now training with the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau, described how she was initially angry, blaming her father, but realised that she couldn’t judge him without understanding his condition.

She explained: “I decided to take a course at college to study caring for people with dementia so I could try to form a new relationship with him. Unfortunately, my dad has had to go into nursing care at Moorburn Manor, where the staff have been a godsend — understanding how I feel as well as taking good care of my dad.

“Over the past few months his dementia has got worse and he barely knows who I am any more, but I still go and take him out in his wheelchair along the seafront and although he doesn’t quite know me, he still shows signs of his old sociable personality and he loves to wave and say hello to people when we pass them.

“Unfortunately, many people just ignore him or screw up their face. It doesn’t affect my dad, but I feel awful when it happens as I know just how friendly he has always been.

“I am sure that there are others in my position who are really hurt by such a reaction and would like people to know that a little compassion can help us deal with this horrible situation a little bit better.

“While I wouldn’t wish me and my dad’s situation on anyone, unfortunately dementia is in most people’s lives nowadays and we should all think about how we behave towards others less fortunate than ourselves.”