September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and World Alzheimer’s Day, marked annually on 21 September, is an opportunity to raise awareness of dementia, highlight the signs of dementia and promote the importance of a timely diagnosis.
This year’s theme: “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” highlights the benefits of recognising the signs of dementia early and seeking support as soon as concerns arise.
A diagnosis of dementia can be life-changing, but it can also be an important first step. Timely diagnosis enables people with dementia and their families to access information, support services and healthcare interventions. It also enables them to make informed decisions and plan for their future.
There are now estimated to be almost 70,000 people living with dementia in Ireland, and this number is expected to more than double to over 151,000 by 2050.
World Alzheimer’s Day reminds us that a dementia diagnosis does not define a person. With the right supports, many people continue to live active, meaningful and fulfilling lives after diagnosis. Receiving a timely diagnosis gives people the opportunity to access services, understand their condition and live well.
Kieran O’Donnell, Minister for Older People
Minister O’Donnell continued: “Dementia is an important priority for the Government. As Minister for Older People, I am working with the HSE and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to continuously improve access to dementia diagnostic services and community-based supports. “Government has invested in increasing access to dementia diagnostic services by funding the rollout of Memory Assessment and Support Services, Regional Specialist Memory Clinics and a National Intellectual Disability Memory Service. The HSE has committed to opening 7 Memory Assessment and Support Services and a new Regional Specialist Memory Clinic this year.
“I have also prioritised the development of an Irish Dementia Registry which is underway. The Registry will collect consistent national data on diagnosis, treatment, support provision and patient outcomes. This will help inform service delivery, planning and future policy decisions.
“In addition, Government has invested in increasing the availability of community-based supports for people living with dementia. Funding is provided to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to provide supports including dementia advisers, day care services, dementia day care at home and activity clubs for people with young onset dementia. Other community-based supports that are available to people with dementia include home support, meals on wheels and activities provided by a variety of community and voluntary organisations based in local communities.
“Together with initiatives like the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign, these investments are providing meaningful supports for people with dementia and their families, enabling them to live as well and as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.”
Minister O’Donnell concluded: “This year, I encourage anyone who has concerns about memory or cognitive changes, either for themselves or a loved one, to seek advice and support. The earlier you know, the more you can do. “On World Alzheimer’s Day, I would also like to recognise the contribution of families, carers, healthcare professionals and community organisations who support people living with dementia every day. “Together, we can work to ensure that people with dementia have access to earlier diagnosis and the services and supports they need to live well in their communities.”
The report Dementia in Europe yearbook 2019 estimated prevalence for women and men across five-year age bands and applied these rates to UN World Population Prospects 2024 population data for 2025 and 2050. Key findings include:
- in 2025, an estimated 9,065,706 people with dementia live in EU27 countries and 12,122,979 in EU27 and non-EU countries combined
- by 2050, an estimated 14,335,788 people with dementia will live in EU27 countries and 19,905,856 in EU27 and non-EU countries combined
- in 2025, women continue to be disproportionately affected by dementia, with 8,009,313 women and 4,113,666 men living with dementia in EU27 and non-EU countries combined
- by 2050, the number of people with dementia in EU27 and non-EU countries combined will increase by 58% in the EU27 countries and by 64% across EU27 and non-EU countries combined.
