Ahead of World Alzheimer’s Month this September, the Health Department’s latest statistics estimate there are 2,279 dementia patients in the state of Mayo.
The release of data is Dementia: Understanding Campaign Together Is seeking members of the general public to consider becoming a dementia champion and to join a network of other 340 champions across the country that promote inclusiveness and action in the community.
The campaign also provides an opportunity to highlight the availability of a local memory technology resource room in Castlebar. This is an increasingly valued service during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
There are over 400 types of dementia, the most common of which are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
It is estimated that more than 64,000 people currently live with dementia in Ireland, and this number has more than doubled to more than 150,000 by 2045. Over 11,000 people develop dementia in Ireland each year. This is about 30 people every day.
Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, time and place confusion, communication difficulties, behavioral changes, and problem-solving problems.
There are several ways people can reduce the risk of dementia. These include healthy eating, regular exercise, smoking cessation, regular blood pressure checks, avoiding excessive alcohol, staying socially connected and mentally challenging.
For Dr. Suzanne Timmons, a geriatrician and clinical director at the HSE National Dementia Office, World Alzheimer’s Month is a valuable opportunity to remind us of the importance of reaching out to people with dementia.
“For people with dementia, we know that maintaining engagement in activity and social contact is essential to maintaining physical and mental health and well-being. COVID-19 The last few months have been very difficult for everyone since arriving in Ireland.
“Many people with dementia need to make cocoons or stay at home to minimize risk, they were particularly difficult, robbing friendship and daily life.
“September is World Alzheimer’s Month and is an ideal opportunity to reach out and support people with dementia and their neighbors.
“The first step is to check in with someone you know with dementia and ask how they can help. It will make them a world difference.
“For those who have a little more time, I encourage you to consider becoming a dementia champion in your community. The champion is the spirit of Dementia: Understand the campaign together.
“They work in their community by sharing information, providing training, creating comprehensive services, and inspiring sports and other community groups to embrace people with dementia. I will.
“This campaign is designed to help you take the first steps on this challenging and highly impactful journey. For more information, www.understandtogether.ie“
With so many traditional support changes for Covid-19, technology has played a key role in helping champions and others connect with people with dementia.
Technology also helps in everyday life, and people with dementia can buy a variety of assistive technologies to help them stay independent, continue to do what matters to them, and feel at home.
These technologies range from videophones, personal alarms, night lights with sensors to locators for items such as medication reminders, keys, and talk photo albums.
The Memory Technology Resource Room at St Mary’s Hospital, Westport Road, Castlebar, offers a variety of products and devices to help manage memory and recalls.
The general public can consult with an occupational therapist for free advice from specialists on the technology that best suits their situation, or for information about services in other areas.
Call 087 1187883 to reserve a resource room for Local Memory Technology.
5 ways to act in the community
1. Please talk. The more people understand what dementia is and how to actively support people with that condition, the greater the impact. You can share your knowledge through social media and talk with colleagues, family and friends
2. Check in. Staying connected is important for people with dementia, their caregivers, and their families. Before you visit, agree on time, be prepared for a brief visit, and follow public health guidance. You can also do activities together, such as drawing cards, playing games, spending time baking and gardening, creating life storybooks and memory boxes.
3. Help. Vulnerable groups of people are still encouraged to stay home wherever possible. Ask the person with dementia, their caregiver or family what they are doing and what you can do for them. Would you like to offer some errands, such as buying groceries and collecting medicines?
4. Go on a tour. Don’t go on an online tour with people with dementia to visit famous galleries and museums, walk through memorable paths in Google Street View, watch the Sound of Music or the Golden Oldies like King and I Or?
5. Comprehensive.. If you run a business, think about what you can do to cover dementia. Consider signing up for staff dementia awareness training. Also available online. Check signs and seats to reduce unwanted distracting noise.
6. Dementia: Campaign to understand together It is led by the HSE in collaboration with the Irish Alzheimer’s Association and Age Friendly Ireland.
For information on support such as local service finders and weekly virtual dementia cafes for people with dementia and family caregivers and how to become a dementia champion in the community, visit Please visit the site. www.understandtogether.ie Or Freefone 1800 341 341 (Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm).
Pictured is Maureen O’Hara, who appeared in the Under Together Together TV advertising campaign for dementia.
