HSE shines light on importance of inclusion this World Alzheimer’s Month

Marking World Alzheimer’s month this September, the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign is urging individuals, businesses and community organisations to learn more about dementia and help to create dementia inclusive communities that include people with dementia and help keep them and their families socially connected.

There are more than 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland. With this number expected to more than double to over 150,000 by 2045, many more of us are going to be living with dementia, or supporting a loved one with the condition.

Every September, people come together from all around the world to raise awareness and to challenge any stigma around dementia. This year’s theme, ‘Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s’, is highlighting the positive steps being undertaken by organisations and governments globally to develop a more dementia inclusive society.

Helen Rochford Brennan, member of the Irish Dementia Working Group, explained: “When we see communities being more aware of dementia, and talking about dementia, it helps people to feel more comfortable to seek support if they’re experiencing any issues themselves.

“I want to continue doing the things I enjoy, and I want to live at home for as long as I’m able to. Knowing that people locally have at least some understanding of dementia and that I can feel welcomed and safe in my community gives me the confidence to go about my day and also to get involved, be it at a local event or just popping to the shops or to grab a coffee. I’d like to see every village, town and county in Ireland become a dementia inclusive community.”

In Ireland, the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign is doing just that. National partners across retail, transport, banking, healthcare and community organisations and more, have signed up to the campaign. They are taking practical actions, such as training staff and volunteers, making their services and spaces more accessible and displaying the national dementia inclusive community symbol to show their solidarity and support for people living with dementia and their loved ones. In addition, over 1,200 Community Champions are making a difference in their local communities by creating dementia alliances, holding awareness events and setting up dementia cafés and inclusive events and activities.

Research suggests that attitudes are changing, with 96% of people across the country feeling it is important to talk about dementia and 97% agreeing it is important to support people with dementia to stay active and socially connected in the community, when asked in the HSE’s Advertising Tracker* in March 2024.

Dr Seán O’Dowd, HSE National Dementia Services Clinical Lead and Consultant Neurologist at TUH, added: “A dementia diagnosis can be challenging for a person, and for their family and friends. By creating dementia inclusive communities, where people with dementia are welcomed and included, we hope that people will feel able to talk about their diagnosis, do the things they enjoy, maintain their independence and seek support.

“Social connection is important for all of us. It was confirmed as one of the 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia (The Lancet, July 2024**) with a recommendation globally to reduce social isolation by facilitating participation in activities and living with others. There is also some evidence that staying connected may slow cognitive decline, as well as improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people with dementia.”

Dementia is caused by different diseases of the brain. These diseases often affect the parts of the brain used for learning, memory and language. There are many types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia and fronto-temporal dementia. Dementia can affect people in many different ways. It’s important to acknowledge that everyone’s experience is unique and some people may need more support than others. With more than 4,000 people with dementia in Ireland aged under 65, dementia affects people of all ages and should not only be seen as a disease affecting older people.

Dementia: Understand Together offers free information, training and marketing materials on their website and you can contact the campaign team directly if you would like advice about how you or your organisation can become more aware of dementia and more inclusive for people with dementia and their families. Email the team on understandtogether@hse.ie or get involved at understandtogether.ie

If you are concerned about dementia or would like to find local services and support, please call the national helpline provided by the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland for free on 1800 34 13 41 (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm).