‘There is so much we can learn from listening to and supporting one another’

Family carers from across Meath will attend the 36th Alzheimer Europe Conference in Dublin later this month, joining more than 1,300 delegates from across Europe for one of the continent’s largest dementia-focused events.

Among those attending is May Gaskin from Dunboyne, who cares for her husband George, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

May said: “Caring for my husband George has given me a real understanding of the difference that the right information and support can make to families affected by dementia. Every family’s experience is different, but there is so much we can learn from listening to and supporting one another.

“I’m looking forward to attending the Alzheimer Europe Conference and meeting people from across Europe who have their own experiences of dementia.

The conference, co-hosted by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI), will take place at the Convention Centre Dublin from 27th to 29th October. It will be the first time Ireland has hosted the event since 2005 and is expected to bring together people living with dementia, family carers, researchers, healthcare professionals and policymakers.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Sláinte: Building momentum in dementia through policy, research and partnership’. Discussions will focus on advances in dementia research and treatment, brain health, risk reduction, artificial intelligence, and care and support services.

The event comes at a time when dementia rates are projected to rise significantly in Ireland. Alzheimer Europe estimates that almost 70,000 people are currently living with dementia in the country, a figure expected to exceed 151,000 by 2050.

The conference will also provide an opportunity to examine how Ireland can build on progress made through the National Dementia Strategy and the Model of Care for Dementia, while further strengthening supports for people living with dementia and their families.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said hosting the event provides Ireland with an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and learn from European partners as countries prepare for growing numbers of people affected by dementia.

Andy Heffernan, CEO of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, said the projected rise in dementia cases means planning and investment are needed now to ensure people can access the services and supports required to live well for as long as possible.