There are 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland today. Dementia is an umbrella term that covers various different diseases of the brain. Find out more here.
The term dementia describes a set of symptoms that includes loss of memory, mood changes, confusion and difficulties with communication and reasoning. There are many different types of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Dementia is progressive, which means that it develops gradually over time. Early diagnosis and intervention are paramount to slowing down the progression of the disease. There are a range of drugs and non-pharmacological interventions which are designed to lessen the symptoms and delay the progression of the condition. There is unfortunately currently no cure for dementia.
There are many ways in which to support a person to live well with dementia. Routine, continuing with familiar activities, daily exercise, diet and simple memory aids can help a person to continue to live a normal life despite memory and other impairments. The attitudes and involvement of family and friends also play a vital role in supporting the person with dementia. The impact of the condition is greatly lessened when there is a positive outlook, a focus on the person’s abilities rather than disabilities, and an awareness of the daily challenges facing a person with dementia. It is important to recognise and respect the roles that the person has played in their life – parent, grandparent, teacher, music-lover, gardener – and support them to continue in those roles, living life as fully as possible. Those roles will also be a key to supporting them in the later stages of the dementia journey.
The dementia journey is different for every person. While there are common symptoms, there is considerable variation in the lived experience of dementia, and so the strategies to support a person need to be individualised and person-centred. Those in caring roles also need services that support them at the various stages of the journey.
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