The Neurological Alliance of Scotland aims to ensure the voices and needs of those affected by neurological conditions, and those who support them, are heard by key stakeholders and decision makers across the sectors. One of the ways we achieve this is through publishing research and reports which are informed by our members and the communities they represent.
Read some of our most recent publications below.
1. Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Hope (July 2025)
This report details our key findings from the My Neuro Survey for Scotland, the largest patient experience survey for people affected by neurological conditions, including friends and family, in the UK. Scotland recieved over 1,000 responses from people living with neurological conditions and their carers across Scotland. Our findings show that:
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- Two out of three adults say life is difficult to cope with and their condition has an impact on their mental health
- Four out of five of children with a neurological condition experience frustration and anger
- Over half of adults feel unsupported by the healthcare system
- Interactions with healthcare professionals have improved for those with the better understood conditions
- The economic impact of neurological conditions is substantial
- Carers are at breaking point with over half unable to access mental health support
2. 2025 Brain Awareness Week #InvestInNeuroResearch Impact Report
In 2025, the Neurological Alliance of Scotland lef on a UK wide campaign raising awareness of the need for more research into neurological conditions and calling on the UK Government to #InvestInNeuroResearch. This campaign was developed in collaboration with our charity members, a lived experience group and the Neurological Alliances of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The most recent iteration of the My Neuro Survey closed on the 15 November 2024. This is the largest patient experience survey of people affected by neurological conditions, including friends and family, in the UK. NAoS promoted the survey across our networks to gather as many responses as possible in Scotland.
4. Recommendations for better mental health support for people affected by neurological conditions (May 2024).
Lack of access to mental health services for people affected by neurological conditions is profoundly impacting the wellbeing of people across Scotland. Our report shows how the underfunded neurological third sector is struggling to cope with the volume and intensity of demand for mental health support amongst those affected by neurological conditions who cannot get support from the NHS. From this research, we identify six recommendations which will improve mental health support for people affected by neurological conditions.
5. NAoS Carer’s Centre Mapping Project (2023)
In 2023 we undertook a mapping project of how our member charities work in with Carer’s Centres across Scotland and which Carer’s centres have information regarding neurological conditions and refer individuals and families towards individual charities.
As a result of our report, we are working to implement some short, medium and long term goals in order to strengthen relationships between charities and carer’s centres across Scotland.
6. Together for the 1 in 6 report (2022)
The Scotland report to the National Neurology Patient Experience Survey 2021/22. We are grateful to the 834 people in Scotland who took part in the survey, sharing their experiences about living with a neurological condition.
Our findings show that:
- Nearly half of adults and over half of children experienced delays accessing a routine neurology appointment
- Five times more children were awaiting diagnosis than adults
- Delays are contributing to a mental health crisis
- 4 in 10 adults say their mental health needs are not being met ‘at all’
- Receiving a life changing diagnosis is scary, and yet a fifth of adults and a quarter of children said they received no explanation about their condition.
7. A Review of Virtual Consultations in Scotland (2021)
In 2021 NAoS undertook a review of virtual consultations in Scotland. This review revealed that only 41% of patients with brain and spine conditions have been able to access face-to-face healthcare since the start of the pandemic. Most people have had to make do with telephone appointments and only 32% were offered a video appointment.
As a result of the findings of our survey, we are calling for three changes:
- i. People should be able to receive the appointment type that is appropriate for their needs at the time
- ii. Nobody should receive a life changing diagnosis over the phone
- iii. Further investment needs to be made into NearMe/Attend Anywhere Video Technology including staff training so that technical faults are minimised and more people can benefit from productive appointments where appropriate.
8. NAoS Mapping Study and Membership Review (2021)
In 2021 NAoS undertook a mapping study of members and non members to understand the biggest challenges facing the neurological community. This study revealed that many people are unaware of services offering self management support to those with a neurological condition, and that awareness of digital innovation is very low.
9. Neurological Voices: Living through lockdown (2020)
This report seeks to give an insight into the experiences of those living with neurological conditions, particularly as we move through lockdown and beyond. The report presents hard-hitting data and personal reflections from across the neurological community in Scotland, and calls for action on common issues.
