Society faces disease crisis as age profile increases

AS THE age profile of the population in Ireland and the developed world rises, families, healthcare systems and governments will face a growing burden dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.

More than 20,000 Irish people suffer from the disease, among about five million Europeans affected by the condition, which kills brain cells and leads gradually to brain malfunction.

However, recent research for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland predicts that 104,000 people will be affected by the disease and other forms of dementia by 2036.