DEMENTIA RATE SET TO DOUBLE IN JUST 20YRS
Warning as number of sufferers to hit 113,000
DEMENTIA numbers are expected to double over the next 20 years, it has been revealed.
There are currently 55,000 people in Ireland with the condition, but it is thought this figure will climb to 113,000 by 2036.
It is estimated 11 people every day are diagnosed – over 4,000 a year – and no cure exists.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month and the campaign will carry the hashtag #Every3seconds, which highlights the rate at which people are diagnosed worldwide.
Dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 80% of cases.
Alzheimer Society of Ireland chief Pat Mcloughlin said: “We are fully supportive of the Every 3 Seconds campaign – it is the global health and social challenge of our time.
In Ireland there are an estimated 55,000 people with the condition and on a worldwide scale there are more than 50 million living with it. “This figure is predicted to increase by 10 million in 2018. “These are startling figures and governments must take this issue more seriously.” Key events in Ireland this month include the launch of Alzheimer’s cookbook A Taste To Remember, family carer training in Dublin and Wexford and the launch of a dementiafriendly Super Valu in Raheny, North Dublin. Mr Mcloughlin added: “It is still very clear that a stigma and negativity often surrounds dementia.
“People can sometimes feel afraid or embarrassed about talking to people they know who have it and this can lead to a lot of unnecessary loneliness.
“Many people who have dementia can live well in their community – but they have to be supported.
“We want to create a society that ensures the appropriate services are available.”