What to do if you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Dementia

Be positive
Concentrate on what you (or the person with dementia) can do rather than what you cannot do. Medications are available and can help and there is ongoing research into the cause and treatments of these conditions.

Seek help
Call the Alzheimer National Helpline on 1800 341 341 (Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm). Find out about the Society's publications including our Information Pack and what services are in your area. The Society has a national network of support services, which include day care, home care, carer support groups and branches. The Society works in communities throughout Ireland to try to ensure that no-one lives with dementia alone.

Make plans for the future
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland can assist you with information on issues that should be considered when planning for the future. One important issue that should be discussed with a solicitor as early as possible is setting up an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA). This is a legal arrangement whereby one person (the donor) gives authority to another (the attorney) or others to act on their behalf in the event of the donor becoming unable to manage their own affairs. Discussing and planning the future can avoid difficult and stressful situations arising later and can help to ensure that any decisions that are made by the family or attorney, are as the person with dementia would wish.

Join the Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Membership costs as little as €15 per year and will ensure that you receive our quarterly newsletter and other relevant information. Our members enable the Society to have strong voice when lobbying Government for better state services for people with dementia and their carers.