17 Sep Alzheimer Month – Alzheimer Disease/ Dementia Resources
With projections of rising prevalence, dementia has been described as one of the most urgent public health issues of the 21st Century. ( Sloane et al 2002)
Currently there are 41,700 people in Ireland living with a form of dementia. It is estimated that this figure will rise to 147,000 by 2041 due to an ageing population. The increase in Alzheimer’s is a world-wide phenomena. September is World Alzheimer’s month. Below are some of the resources available to those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and more information on the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dementia Resources in Ireland
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland – The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland providing a number of care and support options for both people with dementia and their families and carers. The Alzheimer Society provide a free phone helpline which is operated six days a week and can be contacted on 1800 341341
Dementia.ie – The Dementia Services Information and Development Centre ( DSIDC)is based in St James Hospital, Dublin. It is a national centre for excellence in dementia and is committed to best practice in all aspects of dementia care. The DSIDC website is a very useful resource and links to several publications which may be of interest to those with dementia and their carers and the DSIDC run courses for both family carers and healthcare professionals.
The Alzheimer Cafe – The Alzheimer Cafe model originated in the Netherlands and is used worldwide. It is based on a social and emotional elements of dementia rather than the medical. The Alzheimer cafes offer a place where those with dementia and their families and friends can come together in a less formal setting to share experiences and support each other. The original Irish Alzheimer Cafe opened in Donnybrook Dublin 4 and there are now several across the county. More information can be found on their website www.alzheimercafe.ie
Dementia Resources Online
There are thousands of websites offering information tips and advice on Alzheimer’s Disease /Dementia. Googling the word Alzheimer’s will bring up pages and pages of hits which can be overwhelming if you or a loved one have had a recent diagnosis. While each individuals experience with Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia is unique there are many shared characteristics and by knowing more about these and the experiences of others help us get a better understanding of the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Reading Room– The Alzheimer’s Reading Room is an excellent online resource which links to a large number of detailed articles about Alzheimer’s Disease. The aim of this website is to educate and empower both those living with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and their family members. There is an excellent search facility on this site allowing to find relevant information from general overviews on the disease to tips on strategies on specific challenges faced by those living with dementia. The site is regularly updated and new content is added daily.
By Us For Us Series of Guides– The University of Waterloo in Canada published a number of guides created by people with dementia and their care givers. The majority of the information and tips in these guides can be applied worldwide and are available to download free on the By Us For Us website. The guides include memory workouts, communication tips, enhancing wellness, mealtimes, grief and tips and strategies. All of the guides were created by people with dementia for people with dementia and their families. The By Us For Us Guides are a useful resource for managing daily life with dementia.
There are thousands of websites offering information and tips online dealing with both the medical and challenges of living with dementia. Reading first person accounts of living with dementia can offer a unique insight into day to day life with Alzheimer Disease and there are a number of blogs written by people with dementia and by those caring for a loved with one Alzheimer’s Disease, online. Here are some worth reading
Sharing My Life With Lewy Bodies Disease