World Alzheimer’s Day 2026: Raising Awareness of Dementia in Ireland
World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on 21 September during World Alzheimer’s Month. It raises awareness of dementia, challenges stigma, and encourages families to seek timely support when memory, communication, routine, or safety concerns begin to affect daily life.
What we’ll cover:
Why World Alzheimer’s Day matters for families in Ireland
Common signs of Alzheimer’s disease and when to seek advice
Dementia supports, homecare options, and how Comfort Keepers can help at home
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the many other forms of dementia. It is a campaign that challenges stigma and promotes clearer recognition of dementia worldwide.
This guide explains why World Alzheimer’s Day matters, what Alzheimer’s disease is, how it relates to dementia, and what support is available in Ireland.
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 the difference between 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.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. A timely diagnosis can help families access care, treatment, and support options sooner.
Families may also find it helpful to learn about making your home dementia friendly, especially when memory, disorientation, or safety concerns begin to affect daily life.
A consistent daily routine for a person living with dementia can help reduce confusion and support day-to-day wellbeing. Alzheimer’s 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
Dementia is a growing public-health concern in Ireland. The HSE states that more than 64,000 people are living with dementia in Ireland, with this figure expected to rise to over 150,000 by 2045.
For families, Alzheimer’s disease can affect daily routines, communication, safety, and confidence at home. It can also place emotional and practical pressure on family carers, especially as needs change over time.
Clear information, timely diagnosis, and reliable homecare support can help families plan care in a calm, person-centred way.
Dementia Supports and Services in Ireland
Several organisations and services can support people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families in Ireland.
Understand Together
Understand Together is an HSE-led public-support campaign that raises awareness of dementia, reduces stigma, and shares practical information for people living with dementia, families, carers, and communities.
Alzheimer Society of Ireland
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides dementia information, family support, and dementia services.
Memory Clinics and Primary Care
A GP can be a first point of contact for memory concerns and may refer a person for further assessment. Memory clinics provide assessment, diagnosis, and support for people with memory concerns. A timely diagnosis can help families access appropriate treatment, care, and community supports.
Homecare Support
For families planning day-to-day support at home, Comfort Keepers can provide dementia homecare, companionship, personal care, respite care, and practical support shaped around the person’s routines and preferences.
Families comparing providers can also read the HSE’s guidance on choosing an approved home support provider.
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 - Comfort Keepers creates personalised care plans around each person’s needs, preferences, and routines.
Cognitive stimulation - Our Healthcare Assistants support familiar, meaningful activities that encourage conversation, memory prompts, and connection.
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 time to rest and recharge. Our respite care service helps families take a break while the person they support continues to receive care at home.
Companionship - Loneliness and social isolation can worsen the symptoms of dementia. Carers offer companionship care, conversation, and also emotional support to individuals.
Palliative care - Palliative care can support comfort, dignity, personal care, companionship, and family reassurance for individuals in advanced stages of dementia.
Uniting for Better Dementia Support in Ireland
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 provides homecare support, while initiatives like Understand Together share resources that help families recognise dementia and seek support sooner.
World Alzheimer’s Day is a chance to build awareness, reduce stigma, and help families feel more confident seeking support. To learn more, visit our dementia and Alzheimer’s care services page.
Let’s Talk About Your Homecare Needs
If you are noticing signs that someone may need homecare, our team is here to help you take the next step and create a plan shaped around their needs.
Looking for a rewarding career in care? Join our team today or email your CV to recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie.
