The Alzheimer Society of Ireland calls for Action on World Alzheimer's Day as landmark report reveals the massive global cost of Alzheimer's is 1% of global GDP

The landmark report published by the Alzheimer Disease International maintains that international governments are completely unprepared to address one of the most significant and growing - health crises of the 21st century.

The report was launched internationally to mark World Alzheimer's Day (Sept 21st ) as the ASI issued new figures which show calls to its national helpline increased by 40% in August compared to the total number of calls for the same month in 2009.

The new statistics were announced at the Irish launch of World Alzheimer's Day as Fair City actor Bryan Murray and RTE presenter Micheál O' Muircheartaigh joined Minister for Older People Áine Brady T.D. to discuss the reports' recommendations and the need for dementia to become a national health priority in Ireland.

Actor Bryan Murray explained he was backing the ASI's call for dementia to be made a national health priority in Ireland as his mother is living with dementia.

He said: "I have seen firsthand the devastating effects dementia can have on both the person living with dementia and their carer. Since my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's my dad, my two brothers and I have grieved for her every day."

"The ASI has been an invaluable support to carers, though I'm conscious of those who don't have access to services or help. I want to do everything I can to ensure every carer in Ireland has access to the support they need for living with this terrible disease."

The new international landmark report entitled "Dementia: It's time for action!" provides the most current and comprehensive global picture of the economic and social costs of dementia.

The report predicts growing prevalence figures and costs of dementia and calls out for global action on the issue.

The ASI has warned that if the Irish Government does not take immediate action to address the hidden health crisis of dementia, Ireland will face a much worse crisis in the future as the country has an ageing population. It is predicted that the number of people with dementia in Ireland will shoot up from a current total of 44,000 to over 104,000 by 2036.

Maurice O'Connell, CEO of ASI says that this report is an opportunity for the Irish Government to take on board the serious disease burden of dementia:

"The Alzheimer Society has seen a huge influx of concerned calls to our national helpline in the last quarter as more people are turning to us for support and information. Callers have said they find there is a real lack of information and support available to people living with dementia in Ireland and this is a message which has been backed up by recent media coverage.

"It is clear that carers in Ireland are now at breaking point. The Government must listen to people living with dementia and implement a national dementia strategy to cope with this hidden health crisis. This type of strategy is in place in many other European countries and is helping to improve the situation in these countries."

In response to a clear need from the public for information, the ASI has organised a number of events to mark World Alzheimer's Day on Tuesday 21 September including two free Alzheimer Awareness evenings which will be held in Dublin and Cork on Tuesday evening. Clinicians, carers, volunteers and legal experts will be present on the night to answer any queries.

RTE's Micheál O'Muircheartaigh, who has just celebrated his 80th birthday, supports the work of ASI though he does not have a direct connection to the cause himself:

"This report is a wake-up call that Ireland is woefully unprepared for the social and economic disruptions dementia will cause. Dementia is a disease that affects at least one family in every street around the country so the argument to support people living with dementia is not just an economic one but a moral one."

Up to thirteen people develop dementia every day in Ireland and early diagnosis is the first crucial step in enabling those diagnosed to plan and manage this illness. According to a recent survey by ASI 1 in every 5 carers state it took more than two years to reach a diagnosis after presenting with symptoms. Compared to 9 months in Germany and 13 months in Italy. The ASI said the issue surrounding early diagnosis in Ireland must be tackled through increased public awareness campaigns, better information and GP education programmes.

The ASI believes that joined up thinking is essential between all services and supports throughout Ireland. With 20% of carers finding their role "soul destroying", the scale of the crisis of dementia in Ireland demands immediate action.

Minister Áine Brady T.D., who was present at the launch welcomed the fresh statistics and responded by stating: "Dementia is a most distressing condition both for those living with it and their families and presents a significant and growing challenge to health and social services. This report is a major step forward in understanding the full impact of this devastating illness."

"My Department has started the process of developing a policy on dementia having regard to future demographic trends and the consequential increase in demand for services. We are carrying out an audit of existing specialist dementia care services and this work will feed into the overall dementia policy formulation."

World Alzheimer's Day takes place annually on the 21st September when Alzheimer associations across the globe unite and call on governments and the general public to take any action they can to raise awareness of dementia and improve service provision for people with dementia and their carers.

ASI believes that dementia is the most significant health issue facing older people in Ireland. Dementia needs to be categorised as a chronic illness and recognised as a National Health Priority. To register your support please log onto www.alzheimer.ie.

For further information contact Helena O'Donnell, Communications Officer on 086 7744 883

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. It was founded in 1982 by a small group of carers who were caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia and today it is a national voluntary organisation, with a network of 22 branches, 100 services, more than 300 volunteers, 750 staff and 3,000 members. The Society also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline 1800 341 341 offering information and support to anyone affected by Alzheimer's or dementia.

Editors notes: World Alzheimer's Day is coordinated by Alzheimer Disease International, the federation of Alzheimer associations worldwide. There are currently more than 36 million with dementia worldwide and the number is set to rise to over 115 million by 2050. With so many people affected it is time dementia was recognised as a global health priority. The ADI states we must combat stigma and ignorance so that people with dementia receive the care, treatment and attention they deserve.

The Alzheimer Disease International report found that:

- The worldwide costs of dementia will exceed 1% of global GDP in 2010, at US$604 billion.

- If dementia care were a country, it would be the world's 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world's largest by annual revenue exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion)

- The number of people with dementia will double by 2030, and more than triple by 2050.

- The costs of caring for Alzheimer’s sufferers is likely to rise even faster than the prevalence ... especially in the developing world, as more formal social care systems emerge, and rising incomes lead to higher opportunity costs.

- Reports from individual countries such as the U.K. suggest that Alzheimer's is one of the costliest illnesses ... and yet research and investment is at a far lower level than for other major illnesses.

Recommended actions:

Governments worldwide need to act now to make Alzheimer's a national priority by:

- Developing national action plans to deal with the social and health consequences of the dementia.

- Increasing investment in research and promoting international coordination of research efforts.

-· Providing accessible, affordable and effective health care.

- Determining the need for different types of social care and considering how these should be provided and financed.

-· Ensuring the social and economic protection of people with dementia and those who care for them.