The Alzheimer Society of Ireland hosted the event in Westmeath recently.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will develop an action plan for a midlands town.
It's after over 90 people attended an event in Westmeath to encourage the community to create a more accessible environment for people living with Dementia.
The gathering brought together those affected by dementia, community members, businesses and services to discuss making Mullingar Dementia-Inclusive.
Over 1,000 people are living with dementia in Westmeath, according to the organisation.
Declan Power, from Mullingar, supports his father Tony who lives with dementia.
He says, "it was an honour to share my personal experience with the people of Mullingar. Dementia is not simply a health issue - but a social issue that requires a community response. By taking action and working together, I truly believe that Mullingar can become a more inclusive and welcoming place for those living with dementia."
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Head of Operations and Community Engagement, Siobhan O’Connor, said: "It was heartening to see Mullingar come together in support of dementia-inclusiveness as we bring The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Friends of ASI programme to the community. We are incredibly grateful to Deputy Robert Troy for his dedication towards creating a dementia-inclusive community in Mullingar and thank all who came to show support for this initiative.
"This event marks the beginning of a collective effort with our local Friends of ASI, as we strive to build a community that supports people to live well with dementia and remain active, engaged, and socially connected."
Alzheimer National Helpline:
For more information on our supports and services during this challenging time, please contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline. The Helpline is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, on 1800 341 341. Email at helpline@alzheimer.ie or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie
Facts about Dementia:
There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and the number of people with the condition will double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045. *
11,000 new cases of dementia are diagnosed in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day, and anyone can get dementia - even people in their 30s/40s/50s.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain.
Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response.
Most people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia, with many more providing support and care in other ways.
1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65.
The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum; 48% of this is attributable to family care; 43% is by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.
Just Transition Fund Needs 'Re-Launching' - Irish Rural Link
Speeding Figures Fell By 12,000 In 2023
Midlands Allocated Nearly €2m In Town And Village Renewal Scheme Funding
New Laws To See Government Send Asylum Seekers Back To Britain
Woman Released Without Charge Following Substantial Laois Drugs And Cash Seizure
Calls To End Rent Pressure Zones From Property Owners
'Chronic Shortage' Of Laois And Offaly GPs - Sinn Féin
Laois County Council Celebrating 125th Anniversary
Offaly Among Largest In Drops In Claims Relating To Uninsured Claims
Laois Motorist Stopped For Driving With 'Lights Hanging Off'
"Further Investigation" Needed After Westmeath County Council's €515k Fraud Loss
Family ‘Deeply Concerned’ For Missing Laois Woman’s Safety
“We’re At A Tipping Point” - Aontú On Accommodation Protests
Dementia Conference Coming To The Midlands Next Month
Midlands Student Wins Two Awards For Research On Energy Crisis
Midlands Disabilities Day Service Wins Travel School Of The Year In The Region
New Funding Good Opportunity To Rebuild Midlands Sports Facility
Midlands Local Authority To Release Plan To Tackle Noise Pollution
Over 1,000 Marriages In The Midlands In 2023
Offaly €150k Scratch Winner Is A Repeat Winner