The Programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a National Alzheimer’s and other Dementias' Strategy to; increase awareness; ensure early diagnosis and intervention and; ensure development of enhanced community based services.
A research review funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies, titled Creating Excellence in Dementia Care, A Research Review for Ireland’s National Dementia Strategy, was published in January 2012. A public consultation process to inform the development of the Strategy was conducted in 2012 and a report of same published on the Department’s website in February 2013.
A Working Group, representative of key stakeholders from my Department, the HSE, the medical profession and the community and voluntary sector is working on the preparation of a Strategy in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
The Strategy will have a very practical focus, will be action oriented and will focus on what can be done to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia. Work is well advanced and it is my intention that this be completed as soon as possible with a view to publication in the coming months.
