14th August 2014 The Alzheimer Society of Ireland welcomes funding for dementia care and research

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland today warmly welcomes Minister Kathleen Lynch’s announcement that funding will be provided by Atlantic Philanthropies, the Department of Health and the Health Services Executive to improve the wellbeing and care of people with dementia in Ireland.

“Ring-fenced funding for dementia is long-awaited and much needed, as we are working from a severe deficit in relation to investment and services for people with dementia in this country,” said Gerry Martin, CEO of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. 

Close to 48,000 people currently live with dementia in Ireland, with this figure expected to treble in a generation. In addition, there are 50,000 family carers looking after a loved one with dementia.  

“We look forward to the over-due publication of Ireland’s first National Dementia Strategy and this funding will go some way to implementing a number of the key elements of the Strategy”, added Mr Martin.

Statement end

EDITOR’S NOTES

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  There are approximately 48,000 people living with dementia in Ireland. This number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years; rising to 68,216 people by 2021 and to 132,000 people by 2041.
  
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  The majority of people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Most people living with dementia are cared for by a family member and there are approximately 50,000 dementia family carers in Ireland.
  
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  Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain.
  
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  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 accounted for by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.
  
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  More information on reducing the risk of developing dementia is available here
  
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  The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm on 1800 341 341.
  

 For further information please contact Nicole Matthews, Communications Manager, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland on 086-3988 066 or Tina Leonard, Head of Advocacy & Public Affairs at 087 2243004.