It is estimated that there are currently 41,000 people with dementia in Ireland. This number is expected to rise to between 141,000 and 147,000 by 2041. Given this increase in numbers, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to Develop a national Alzheimer's and other dementias' strategy by 2013. A significant amount of preparatory work has already been completed.
A research review funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies to lay the foundations for the Strategy, 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 the Department, the HSE, the medical profession and the community and voluntary sector has been established. Representatives of other organisations/professional bodies etc. will be invited as needed to present to the Working Group either in person or in writing. The first meeting of this Group took place in May.
In taking account of the Goals and Objectives of the National Carers' Strategy and Ireland's recently published Health and Well-being Strategy and National Positive Ageing Strategy, the National Dementia Strategy will recognise that for those with dementia as well as for others, well-being is a multi-dimensional concept that is determined not only by health services but by a range of interconnected social, economic and environmental factors. As indicated in the Programme for Government, the purpose of the Strategy will be:
- to increase awareness
- ensure early diagnosis and intervention and
- ensure development of enhanced community based services.
While the development of the Strategy is taking place during a period of very challenging financial circumstances and will therefore have to have due regard to the constraints imposed by the budgetary situation, it is intended that the National Dementia Strategy will be a transformative Strategy. It 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. It will ensure that changes in work practices, processes and realignment of resources can deliver real results. It is intended that a draft of the Strategy will be completed by the end of 2013.
