Dementia belongs to the person and their family, but it also belongs to our whole community – the time to act is now.
Dementia is Ireland’s hidden health crisis with around 44,000 people living with dementia. Every year another 4,000 people are diagnosed – that’s 11 people every day. There are 50,000 carers of people with dementia - even more when you include wider family and social networks. By 2036, the number of people living with dementia will have increased to over 100,000.
Join our Campaigners Network and support our call for a dementia-friendly society, where people can access the right services in their community, when and where they need them. Where their family and carers will be supported, and there is a greater understanding of the impact of dementia.
Why we need your support
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A National Dementia Strategy for Ireland
- The Government has committed to a National Dementia Strategy for Ireland by 2013. England, Scotland, Wales and other EU nations already have national strategies to support people with dementia and their families. People in Ireland living with dementia can’t wait any longer – we need to act now and ensure our National Strategy becomes a reality.
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Dementia Friendly Communities - Raising Awareness, Reducing Stigma
- We have a vision for an Ireland where no one goes through dementia alone. There can be very real challenges in discussing dementia. A dementia-friendly community is one in which people can discuss their diagnosis without stigma or fear, where health and social care professionals understand their personal experience and where people can learn from the shared experience of others.
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Early Diagnosis Matters
- Being able to plan ahead is vital. The earlier someone is diagnosed, the longer they have to plan for their care and their future. This can include working with their family and carers to determine what care and services they need, and what supports matter most to them.
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Dementia can affect younger people
- For the 1 in 10 people with dementia who are under 65, access to services and supports is even more difficult as dementia care is currently funded through and designed as “older person’s services”.
How you can help?
Register your support below by filling out our short form.
For further information or support with your local campaign
Contact one of our public affairs team by calling 01 2073832 or email health_priority@alzheimer.ie