Patricia Ryan
Ceist:162. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the latest research into people suffering from dementia. [19640/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 April 2023
Ceisteanna (162)
Freagraí scríofa
The Department of Health provides annual financial support to the Dementia Research Network Ireland (DRNI). DRNI, by supporting multidisciplinary collaborative research and knowledge exchange, is dedicated to the enhancement of the understanding of the causes and mechanisms of dementia and neurodegeneration, the effectiveness of different models of care and the policy changes required to improve the quality of life for persons with dementia and neurodegenerative conditions and their caregivers.
DRNI research will build on the recommendation from Professor Eamon O’Shea’s 2019 report on “The Continuum of Care for People with Dementia in Ireland” that there needs to be an exploration of a broad model of long-term residential care that includes a range of options. Professor O’Shea’s report highlights the need to support people to remain living at home where possible, alongside other alternatives such as small-scale independent living facilities as alternatives to traditional nursing home care. The report highlights the conflicting views on the dementia village model of care and recommends further evaluation of this care setting prior to any investment. The February 2019 joint policy statement on Housing Options for our Ageing Population by the Departments of Health and Housing will also be relevant to the research.
Dementia Trials Ireland (DTI), co-led by Professor Iracema Leroi from TCD and Professor Sean Kennelly from Tallaght University Hospital, was launched in May 2021 with Health Research Board (HRB) support. DTI aims to support and grow dementia intervention studies for people with/at risk of dementia. By significantly increasing Ireland’s capacity and capability to deliver dementia-related trials, and by increasing the number of people participating in trials, DTI aims to prevent/slow progression to dementia for those at risk, and to improve quality of life for people with dementia.
Extensive research was also undertaken in advance of the development of the HSE 'Dementia: Understand Together campaign', which has provided a central website providing information, resources and a service finder showing supports available in every county. It highlights the issue of dementia in wider society through its extensive public awareness campaign and by addressing the challenges faced by people with dementia in communities across Ireland. The most effective part of this campaign is how it shows that people with dementia remain a valuable part of society, and are still capable of contributing to the fabric of national life.
Additionally, the National Dementia Office convened a national working group in June 2021 to establish and prepare for the projected demand for disease modifying treatments (DMT) for dementia. This includes establishing the resource requirement for MASS imaging technology and radiologists.
You will also be aware that Sláintecare is the ten year vision for the reform of our health and social care services. Sláintecare aims to shift the focus of care to the community, and to provide services at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. As part of the Sláintecare Action Plan we have committed to continue to implement the National Dementia Strategy and address the needs of growing numbers of people with dementia and their family carers.
The evidence base generated through the above mentioned research will doubtless be of assistance as we seek to turn our vision, of transforming the health and social care of a rapidly increasing and ageing population, into a reality.