The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) led a special briefing in the AV Room in Leinster House at the Irish Government Buildings in Dublin, on the topic of Brain Health for people living with dementia. The event was hosted by the All Party Oireachtas Group on Dementia Chair Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, on 8 March 2022, in advance of Brain Awareness Week (14-20 March). The ASI, clinicians, academics, and the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) showcased opportunities to increase prevention, and shared significant developments in medical treatments. The briefing, which was attended by 40 politician representatives, including Members of Parliament (TDs) and Senators, and 14 parliamentary staff, heard that up to 40% of dementias are preventable, highlighting the need to resource early intervention, awareness and new treatments. The briefing highlighted the need for sufficient resources to fund these opportunities as there are 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland and the number is forecast to more than double in the next 25 years.
The ASI Interim CEO Siobhan O’Connor said: “This briefing to our elected representatives is one of hope. We can all look after our brain health, and we should talk to our doctor as early as possible if any changes in memory become apparent. Many steps can be taken which will make a real difference. If we address early risk factors such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and depression then – according to the Lancet Commission – 40% of dementias are preventable." Briefing Speakers:
• Mr Kevin Quaid, living with Lewy Body Dementia, Chair Irish Dementia Working Group, Author
• Professor Iracema Leroi, Professor Geriatric Psychiatry, Faculty member Global Brain Health Institute
• Professor Sean Kennelly, Consultant Physician Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Faculty Member Global Brain Health Institute
• Professor Mary McCarron, Professor Intellectual Disability and Ageing, Dean Health Faculty TCD
• Ms Samantha Taylor, Head of Risk, Compliance and Dementia Advisory Services, The ASI.