World Alzheimer's Day: The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do
September is World Alzheimers Month, and today (21 September) is World Alzheimer’s Day; both these events are an opportunity to raise awareness of the condition.
The theme for this year is: “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.” This aims to highlight the benefits of seeing the early signs of dementia and getting support as soon as concerns arise.
The Government say that there are now around 70,000 people living with the condition in Ireland, and this number is expected to double by 2050.
Although a dementia diagnosis can be life-changing, timely diagnosis can enable people to access information, support services and healthcare interventions.
Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell, said: “World Alzheimer's Day reminds us that a dementia diagnosis does not define a person. With the right supports, many people continue to live active, meaningful and fulfilling lives after diagnosis. Receiving a timely diagnosis gives people the opportunity to access services, understand their condition and live well.
“Dementia is an important priority for the Government. As Minister for Older People, I am working with the HSE and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to continuously improve access to dementia diagnostic services and community-based supports.
“Government has invested in increasing access to dementia diagnostic services by funding the rollout of Memory Assessment and Support Services, Regional Specialist Memory Clinics and a National Intellectual Disability Memory Service. The HSE has committed to opening 7 Memory Assessment and Support Services and a new Regional Specialist Memory Clinic this year.”
The Minister continued: “ I have also prioritised the development of an Irish Dementia Registry which is underway. The Registry will collect consistent national data on diagnosis, treatment, support provision and patient outcomes. This will help inform service delivery, planning and future policy decisions.
“In addition, Government has invested in increasing the availability of community-based supports for people living with dementia. Funding is provided to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to provide supports including dementia advisers, day care services, dementia day care at home and activity clubs for people with young onset dementia. Other community-based supports that are available to people with dementia include home support, Meals on Wheels and activities provided by a variety of community and voluntary organisations based in local communities.”
Minister O’Donnell concluded: “Together with initiatives like the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign, these investments are providing meaningful supports for people with dementia and their families, enabling them to live as well and as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.”