Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019
495. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with dementia here; the number of specialists working in this area; the waiting lists to access home care packages specifically for persons with dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30670/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is estimated that over 55,000 people in Ireland have a form of dementia, with 4,000 new cases each year. After the age of 65, the prevalence of dementia nearly doubles every five years, but onset can occur at much younger ages. Around 4,000 people in Ireland aged under 65 have younger onset dementia. Based on population projections from the CSO, the number of people with dementia will double to 115,000 by 2036 and treble to 157,000 by 2046.
With regard to the remainder of the question, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
