The Alzheimer Society of Ireland says greater funding for dementia is urgently needed

The ASI has said that some sufferers are being denied the basic minimum of care.

Alzheimer's and dementia can be difficult and frightening diseases for both sufferers and their families to contend with. The ASI has previously called for the government to fund extended home care to those suffering from dementia and they recently reiterated their frustrations. An Emergency Dementia Summit was held in Dublin last week which was attended by Pat McLoughlin, ASI's CEO, sufferers and their carers in an attempt to gain further support from the government.

A snippet of our Emergency Dementia Summit today. #DementiaSupports are urgently needed. Thanks to @ColetteKelleher @MaryButlerTD @KHumphreysDBS of All Party Oireachtas Group on Dementia for hosting us in Leinster House. pic.twitter.com/ZL2DP3EbIa

— AlzheimerSocIrel (@alzheimersocirl) November 28, 2018

RTÉ reported that:

"The number of people with dementia stands at around 55,000 and that figure is expected to double over the next 20 years."

The publication quoted Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly who said that he realises "the need to provide additional funding for, in particular, increased number of dementia advisors". Mr Daly said that The Department of Health is working with the Health Service Executive to prepare the 2019 National Service Plan. For services and support, you can visit the ASI's website to access resources.