Wednesday 26 March 2008
A review of 2007 calls to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland's National Helpline, released today to launch Alzheimer's Tea Day, is highlighting the urgent need for more dementia services to serve the rapidly growing numbers of people affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Ireland. In the four years from 2004 to 2007, the total number of calls received by the Alzheimer Helpline rose by 230% and the profile of those contacting the service changed substantially.
"Calls from carers and family members have almost doubled in the last four years and account for almost half of the calls received by our Helpline. However, one in three calls is now made by someone concerned about memory changes in themselves or someone they know. This is a considerable change from one in 20 such calls in 2004 and clearly indicates that Irish people are more aware of memory problems. It also suggests that people are looking for information and help sooner," says Maurice O'Connell, chief executive Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Dementia is a significant health issue in Ireland. The devastating condition affects more than 40,000 people, two thirds of whom have Alzheimer's disease. Although the cause is still unknown, age is recognised as the highest risk factor in developing Alzheimer's or dementia. With Ireland's ageing population, the numbers affected are expected to explode to 104,000 within 30 years.
O'Connell points out that many Alzheimer's carers have insufficient income and little or no training or specialist community supports. He believes increased funding for services is essential to meet growing demand. "We responded to more than 3,000 requests for information and help last year and provided almost 750,000 hours of care. But that's only a drop in the ocean. Carers and family members, some of whom are caring for more than 14 hours a day, need more supports, now."
"Our services are under severe strain to meet the existing needs of people diagnosed with dementia. We need to provide more services in order to help more families and carers. However, this requires more funding; from government, the HSE and the generous Irish people, who subsidise one third of our work though Alzheimer's Tea Day and other donations," concludes O'Connell.
Giving full backing to the 14th annual Alzheimer's Tea Day, Ireland and Leinster Rugby hero, Rob Kearney, is urging everyone to get involved. "Dementia can affect people of different ages, some as young as their 40's. It impacts on family and friends, young and old. That's why I think it's so important that we all line out in support of Alzheimer's carers. Tea Day is fun and easy and the money raised will be used locally for vital day care, home care, respite care and other dementia services. All we have to do is make sure our "brew" is an Alzheimer's brew."
Alzheimer's Tea Day takes place nationally on 1 May to raise funds to help The Society provide local dementia services throughout Ireland. Individuals, groups and businesses are urged to participate and make 2008 "The Big Brew".
Fundraising and donations account for one third of the Society's annual income and are a critical source of funding for services for carers.
To register for Tea Day 2008 or make a donation phone 1 800 719 820 or visit www.teaday.ie today.
To contact the Alzheimer's Helpline in confidence phone 1800 341 341 weekdays 10 am to 4 pm.
Further information from:
Sarah O'Callaghan, PR Manager The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Ph: (01) 284 6616.