Vol. 424 No. 1
26 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of reported incidence of Alzheimer's disease in the various health board areas throughout the country in the past five years; whether the disease is on the increase; if so, if he will give details of his proposals to deal with the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
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. This estimate is based on a prevalence rate of between 5 and 8 per cent of the population aged 65 years and older. It is not possible to break these figures down between dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia associated with other factors because of difficulties in diagnosis. My Department has made a financial contribution to the Alzheimer society to carry out research on Alzheimer's disease, which will estimate its prevalence and identify the needs of carers of people with dementia. It may be possible to answer the Deputy's question more fully when the results of this research are available.
The incidence of dementia rises with advanced old age. As our elderly population is increasing, the incidence of Alzheimer disease is also likely to rise.
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. I feel that these developments represent progress towards translating policy into a practical network of services for Alzheimer patients and their carers.
