National Dementia Strategy to be finalised by the end of this year

May is European Month of the Brain, this is to promote awareness of the diseases which can affect the human brain. Today is also Alzheimer’s Tea Day and many people are gathering together to raise much needed funds for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland. During an adjournment debate I received assurance from the Department of Health that the National Dementia Strategy will be finalised by the end of 2013.

I have been informed that the Government will deliver on the commitment to increase awareness, ensure high numbers of early diagnoses, and introduce measures to improve quality of life and quality of care for those with dementia.

As recent CSO figures showed, the number of elderly over 65 is due to rise dramatically from 532,000 now to over 850,000 by 2026 and close to 1.4 million by 2046.

The same data demonstrated that the population of people aged 80 or more will treble from 128,000 to over 484,000 by 2046, in addition to this, it is estimated that the people with dementia will reach between 141,000 and 147,000 by 2041.

The current cost of this disease to the Irish state is 1.69 billion per year and the pressure on the Department of Health will only escalate if it is not addressed by putting a proper policy in place.

The Department of Health has recently completed a public consultation process in order to gather input from the public to shape the incoming strategy. The matters raised included increasing awareness and training for health professionals. I hope that the issues raised will all be addressed in the strategy.
There are currently 42,000 people living with dementia in Ireland and it touches countless lives, people are under considerable pressure to care for their ill loved one and they need the vital support this strategy will bring.