The Engaging Dementia 14th International Dementia Conference 2022, “Fostering a Dementia Inclusive Ireland”, took place in Croke Park, Dublin, on 15 and 16 November. The hybrid conference, featuring dementia experts from around the world, saw strong representation from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), with several staff members, advocates and a Board member speaking and presenting at the event.
Actor and member of the Irish Dementia Working Group (IDWG), Bryan Murray, opened the conference with a powerful speech. Later, ASI Research Project Officer Cíara O’Reilly delivered a presentation on TeamUp for Dementia Research. She also facilitated a Person PubIic Involvement (PPI) panel discussion, featuring members of the Dementia Research Advisory Team (DRAT). The ASI has long been recognised as a leader in PPI in research.
Vice Chair of the IDWG, Dr Helen Rochford-Brennan, and ASI Board member Professor Kate Irving discussed Value-Based Healthcare and its potential impact, and members of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network (DCCN) featured in the Carers Panel discussion.
Day two opened with some poignant words from Member of the IDWG, Marguerite Keating.
Over the two-day duration, the Chair of the IDWG and Vice-Chair of the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD), Kevin Quaid, spoke about the importance of the Correct Diagnosis of Dementia and took part in discussions on Creating a Dementia Inclusive Society in Ireland, PPI, and The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act, along with a member of the DCCN, Susan Crampton. ASI Research Officer Dr Diane O’ Doherty presented on Young Onset Dementia and implications for policy and shared the Advocacy, Research and Public Affairs’ work on Changing Work Practices to Become More LGBTQIA+ Inclusive, along with ASI Communications Officer Niamh Burke. Prof. Irving also presented on Therapeutic lying in the care of a person with dementia.
The ASI stand saw members of its Community Engagement Team sharing essential information on their work, including the "Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation" Project, which aims to educate young people about dementia.
Informative and thought-provoking, the conference further reinforced Team ASI’s commitment to fostering a dementia-inclusive Ireland.
