Midlands Event For Dementia-Inclusivity To Take Place This Month

Monday, 12 February 2024 11:55

Creating a more nurturing and accepting environment for people living with dementia is the theme.

Creating a more nurturing and accepting environment for people living with dementia is the aim of a community meeting in the midlands this month.

The Alzheimher Society of Ireland is hosting the gathering in the Annebrook House Hotel in Mullingar on Tuesday, February 27th from 7-9pm.

Over 1,000 people are living with dementia in Westmeath, according to the organisation.

The ASI aims to invite community members and people living with dementia, to help make their communities more dementia-inclusive.

Speaking ahead of the Dementia-Inclusive Community event, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Head of Operations and Community Engagement, Siobhan O’Connor, says:

"The Alzheimer Society of Ireland strives to help people living with dementia and their families in Co. Westmeath and across Ireland.

In May, the organisation opened our new Daycare Centre in Multyfarnham and now, we are thrilled to bring The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Friends of ASI programme to Mullingar. It is so important that we reduce the stigma surrounding the condition so that people living with dementia feel heard, understood and valued and can live well in their communities. Through this Dementia-Inclusive Community event, we aim to engage and involve the community in creating an inclusive and understanding environment for people living with dementia in Mullingar."

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

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. *

- There are 11,000 new cases of dementia 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.