Continuous support for people with dementia across Ireland

Cormac Cahill

Head of Advocacy, Research, and Public Affairs, Alzheimer’s Society

Dementia is the name for a range of conditions that cause damage to the brain. This damage can affect memory, thinking, language and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

There are many conditions that cause dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause. Vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Frontotemporal dementia are other causes. 

Symptoms of the disease 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common and well-known cause of dementia, and it is thought to cause over half of all cases. Short-term memory loss is often one of the first symptoms of this disease. However, there is a range of early signs and symptoms including: 

• Getting stuck for words 
• Misplacing things regularly 
• Losing track of time 
• Changes in mood and behaviour 
• Difficulty in finding the way, even in familiar places 

It is important to remember that symptoms vary from person to person as everyone’s experience with the disease is unique. 

Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported.

Support for dementia 

For anyone who is concerned about their own health or that of a loved one and is looking for support, advice or help, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) operates the Alzheimer National Helpline. It offers information and support to anyone affected by dementia at 1800 341 341. 

Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. Our mission is to advocate, empower and champion the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. 

A national nonprofit organisation, the ASI is person-centred, rights-based and grassroots-led with the voice of the person with dementia and their carer at its core.

Being part of a community 

The ASI provides support and services to people with dementia and their carers across Ireland including Day Care, Day Care at Home, Home Care, Family Carer Training, Dementia Advisers, Alzheimer Cafes and Social Clubs. 

We celebrate 40 years this year, and there have been many milestones achieved since 1982 when carers Winifred Bligh and Imelda Gillespie held their first meeting and changed the face of dementia care in Ireland forever.

Forty years on, we are now a national organisation providing support, services and care for the 64,000 people living with dementia and their family carers in Ireland today.