World Alzheimer’s Day
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21st every year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the many other forms of dementia.
In this blog post, we will explore the significance of World Alzheimer’s Day, run through what Alzheimer's is, define its characteristics, and explore its relation to dementia.
We will also examine why Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in Ireland and outline the services and supports available for those affected.
What is World Alzheimer’s Day?
World Alzheimer’s Day is an international campaign to raise awareness and challenge the persistent stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
It was established by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in 1994 to unite people and organisations worldwide in the fight against dementia.
The date aligns with the autumnal equinox, symbolising the need for awareness to grow as the world’s population ages.
A Movement for Change
The campaign educates the public about Alzheimer’s and dementia, provides support to those affected, and advocates for increased research funding.
It also brings individuals and communities together to share their experiences and pledge their commitment to improving the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s, their loved ones, and their carers.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all dementia cases worldwide.
Dementia is not a single disease but a broad term used to describe a range of cognitive impairments that interfere with a person’s daily life.
The 7 Most Common Characteristics of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is characterised by a progressive decline in cognitive functions, such as memory, thinking, and behaviour. It typically starts with mild memory problems and gradually worsens over time.
Learning to recognise these changes early can help individuals and families seek appropriate Alzheimer’s care. Its most common characteristics are:
1. Memory Loss
One of the most noticeable signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially short-term memory. Individuals may forget recent conversations, appointments, or the names of family members and friends.
2. Cognitive Decline
Alzheimer’s affects thinking skills, making it difficult for individuals to solve problems, plan, and make decisions. They may also have trouble with tasks that require concentration.
3. Language Problems
People with Alzheimer’s often struggle to find the right words in conversations, write coherently, or follow a conversation’s flow.
4. Disorientation
Individuals may become disoriented about time and place, getting lost in familiar surroundings or not recognising familiar faces.
5. Behavioural Changes
Alzheimer’s can cause mood swings, irritability, and changes in personality. People with the disease may become anxious, agitated, or withdrawn.
6. Difficulty with Daily Activities
As the disease progresses, individuals may find it challenging to perform everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, and eating.
7. Loss of Independence
Over time, Alzheimer’s leads to a loss of independence, with individuals requiring increasing levels of assistance and care.
How Alzheimer’s Affects Irish Families and Healthcare
Alzheimer’s disease is a pressing issue in Irish society due to its increasing prevalence and the significant impact it has on individuals, families, homecare providers like us, and healthcare systems.
This trend will only continue to increase in the coming years due to Ireland’s ageing population.
Prevalence
In Ireland, an estimated 64,000 people are living with dementia, and this number is expected to double by 2036. This means that more families will be affected by Alzheimer’s in the coming years.
Carer Impact
Alzheimer’s places a substantial burden on carers, who are often family members. In Ireland, there are approximately 50,000 carers providing unpaid care to people with dementia, contributing significantly to the healthcare system.
Economic Impact
The cost of caring for individuals with dementia in Ireland is substantial, estimated to be around €1.69 billion per year. This includes healthcare costs, formal and informal caregiving, and lost productivity.
Quality of Life
Dementia affects the quality of life for individuals living with the condition and their families. It is vital to raise awareness and improve support services to enhance the wellbeing of people affected by dementia.
Services for Individuals in Ireland
Ireland has made significant strides in addressing the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Several services and organisations are available to support individuals and their families dealing with Alzheimer’s:
Understand Together:
Understand Together is a public support campaign in Ireland that aims to raise awareness about dementia, reduce stigma, and provide information and resources to those affected.
Their website offers information and guidance for individuals, carers, and other healthcare professionals.
Understand Together has also recently developed and launched a new community symbol with people with dementia at its heart. Displaying this symbol shows solidarity with the more than 64,000 people living with the condition in Ireland. You can read more about it here.
Alzheimer Society of Ireland:
This organisation provides dementia-specific homecare, daycare, support groups, and information services. They also offer respite care to provide carers with a much-needed break.
Memory Clinics:
Memory clinics across Ireland provide assessments, diagnoses, and support for individuals with memory concerns. Early diagnosis can help individuals access appropriate care and support.
Primary Care:
Primary care teams like GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, including Comfort Keepers’ carers, provide long-term care, medication management, and support to individuals and their families.
How Comfort Keepers Can Help
Comfort Keepers is an organisation dedicated to providing homecare and support services to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in Ireland.
Their services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. They focus on promoting independence, enhancing quality of life, and providing respite to family carers.
Personalised care plans - Create personalised care plans for individuals with dementia, considering their specific needs, preferences, and routines.
Cognitive stimulation - Our healthcare assistants engage individuals in activities that stimulate cognitive function and memory. These help to slow the progression of the disease.
Assistance with daily activities - Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, ensuring individuals can live comfortably and safely at home.
Respite care - Family carers often need a break to rest and recharge. Respite care service allows families to take some well-deserved time off while ensuring their loved ones receive proper care.
Companionship - Loneliness and social isolation can worsen the symptoms of dementia. Carers offer companionship, conversation, and also emotional support to individuals.
Palliative Care - Palliative care focuses on comfort, dignity, and symptom management for individuals in advanced stages of dementia.
Uniting for Better Dementia Support
World Alzheimer’s Day serves as a reminder of the global impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In Ireland, the prevalence of dementia is increasing. This highlights the importance of raising awareness, providing Dementia support services, and creating a more dementia-friendly society.
Comfort Keepers and initiatives like Understand Together provide vital care and resources for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s.
On this World Alzheimer’s Day, let us unite in the fight against dementia and promote understanding, support, and hope. To learn more about Comfort Keepers’ dementia and Alzheimer’s homecare services, you can visit our website here.
Let’s Talk About Your Homecare Needs
Our team is here to help you navigate the steps to starting care and create a plan tailored to your loved one.
Looking for a rewarding career in care?Join our team today or email your CV to recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie.
