Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
513. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if dementia is classified as a disability in his Department's healthcare policy or the policy of the HSE; if not, the reason for same; if there are plans to change this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44741/23]
View answerThe 2014 National Dementia Strategy defines dementia as “a syndrome characterised by progressive cognitive impairment associated with impairment in functional abilities and, in many cases, behavioural and psychological symptoms. There may be memory loss, usually related to short-term memory, communication difficulties, changes in personality or mood and problems with spatial awareness.”
The aim of the National Dementia Strategy is to improve dementia care so that people with dementia can live well for as long as possible, can ultimately die with comfort and dignity, and can have services and supports delivered in the best way possible.
The HSE’s Dementia Model of Care, published in May this year, uses the WHO's definition of dementia as a "chronic, multi-factorial and progressive condition. It is not a disease in itself but an umbrella term for a range of conditions, which cause changes to the brain. Dementia has physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences for the person, their carers, supporters, families, and society generally”.
Both the National Dementia Strategy and the Model of Care focus on the health, social care and societal measures that need to be in place to support people with dementia to live as well as possible in their own homes and communities. They do not refer to dementia specifically as a disability and there are no plans to change this.
While recognising that dementia does not solely affect people over the age of 65, dementia policy in the Department of Health, and dementia strategic planning in the HSE through the National Dementia Office, are included under the umbrella of older people's services in both organisations. Notwithstanding this, the Model of Care for dementia includes safeguards and processes to ensure that people under 65 are catered for equitably.
