Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - Alzheimer's Disease.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

435 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he intends to take to give recognition to Alzheimer's disease; and if his attention has been drawn to the large number of patients suffering from the disease in this country and to the hardship and difficulties being encountered by the carers.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

It is estimated that the number of people with a significant form of dementia in this country, including Alzheimer disease, is between 20,000 and 30,000. My Department has made a financial contribution to the Alzheimer Society to carry out research on Alzheimer disease, which will estimate its prevalence and identify the needs of carers of people with dementia. I understand that the research is almost completed and that the results will be available shortly.

The report,The Years Ahead — A Policy for the Elderly emphasised the need to develop a range of services for people with dementia and their families, including purpose built accommodation. The report was adopted as official Government policy towards the elderly in October 1988. Health boards have prepared plans to implement the recommendations of the report. In 1990, 1991 and 1992 an additional £9 million was made available to the health services to implement the key recommendations of the report, particularly the strengthening of home and community support for the elderly. This funding enabled boards to enhance their services for people with dementia and their families. I am glad to say that two psychiatrists specialising in the elderly have been appointed in Dublin and a third post has been proposed. The Government has introduced the carer's allowance in recognition of the burden on relatives of caring for dependent elderly people such as those with dementia. These developments represent progress towards translating policy into a practical network of services for Alzheimer patients and their carers.

I will be meeting representatives of the Alzheimers Society in the near future which will enable me to hear at first hand about the problems experienced by victims of the disease and their carers.