It is estimated that there are approximately 50,000 people living with dementia in Ireland today. These numbers are expected to increase to over 140,000 by 2041 as the number of older people in Ireland increases.
The Irish National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014. This delivers on a commitment in our Programme for Government to develop a national Alzheimer’s and other dementia's strategy to increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and develop enhanced community based services. The Strategy emphasises that most people with dementia live in their own communities and can continue to live well and to participate in those communities for far longer than many people appreciate.
The Strategy distinguishes between those Actions that can be progressed within existing resources and others to be addressed as more resources become available. An Office has been established within the HSE to lead the implementation of the Strategy. The consolidation of functions that were previously dispersed will have a very significant effect in generating and maintaining momentum and driving change.
A diagnosis of dementia is often accompanied by confusion and distress. Those affected and their families don’t know where to turn, and the very clear message from those affected by dementia was that clear information and guidance is critical. For this reason GPs are a key focus of the Strategy as they are very often the first port of call for people concerned about dementia. Work to deliver better information to GPs, both clinical and relating to relevant local services, is being lead by Dr. Tony Foley, who is himself a GP and was a member of the Group that advised on the Strategy's formal actions.
The Department of Health and the HSE have agreed a joint initiative with the Atlantic Philanthropies to accelerate the implementation of significant elements of the Strategy over the period 2014-2017. This National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme will represent a combined investment of €27.5m, with the HSE contributing €15.5m and Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12m.
Key elements of the initiative include the roll-out of a programme of Intensive Home Supports and Homecare Packages for people with dementia; the provision of additional dementia-specific resources for GPs, who are the critical and initial point of contact with the health system for those with dementia. The resource material will include training materials and guidance on local services and contact points, etc. Measures to raise public awareness, address stigma, and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia. A Monitoring Group, chaired by the Department of Health, has been established to assist with and advise on implementation of the National Dementia Strategy, including the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme. This Group includes health professionals, administrators, researchers, and advocates. In addition, the Group includes a person living with dementia and a representative of those who care for people with dementia.
