Memory loss sufferers set to double
The charity said more than 1,000 people contacted its helpline last year concerned that they, or someone they knew, was losing their memory and might be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The group has seen a trebling in the number of people contacting the helpline since 2004, according to figures it released yesterday.
About 1,500 callers were carers or family members who needed support looking after family members suffering with memory loss.
Chief executive Maurice O’Connell said: “Calls from carers and family members have almost doubled in the last four years and account for almost half of all calls received. However, one in three calls are now made by someone concerned about memory changes in themselves or someone they know. This is a considerable change from one in 20 in 2004 and clearly indicates that Irish people are more aware of memory problems.”
He said 40,000 people are affected by dementia, two-thirds of whom have Alzheimer’s disease, and this figure will “explode” to 104,000 in 30 years because of Ireland’s ageing population.
“Our services are under severe strain to meet the existing needs of people diagnosed with dementia. We need to provide more services in order to help families and carers. But this requires more funding from the Government, the Health Service Executive and generous Irish people who subsidise a third of our work through fundraising,” he said.
Mr O’Connell was speaking yesterday at the launch of the Alzheimer’s Society’s biggest fundraising day, the annual Tea Day on May 1.
Ireland and Leinster rugby player Rob Kearney is supporting the fundraising event and he urged people to hold tea mornings at schools and work places.
“Dementia can affect people of different ages, some as young as their 40s. It impacts on family and friends, young and old,” said Mr Kearney.
* www.alzheimer.ie
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