On World Alzheimer’s Day (WAD), thousands of people came together in over 40 locations across Ireland to walk in solidarity with people living with dementia and their families. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (The ASI) annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, proudly supported by Aviva, is more than a fundraising event, it’s an awareness campaign that brings dementia out of the shadows and into the heart of communities. Walks were spearheaded by local champions, including ASI staff, board members, branches, volunteers, and supporters. Participants walked to honour and celebrate people affected by dementia. The weekend kicked off with several local walks on Saturday, with the main event taking place on 21 September.
This year’s campaign garnered extensive national and regional media coverage, helping to amplify the voices of those impacted by dementia. On the day, Ireland AM, Ireland’s biggest breakfast show, featured live interviews with participants, including ASI CEO Andy Heffernan, and Professor Seán Kennelly, Consultant Physician in geriatric medicine and Director of the cognitive clinical trials unit and memory service at Tallaght University Hospital. As the number of people living with dementia in Ireland and globally continues to grow, so does the Memory Walk. It is helping to build a more compassionate and informed society – one where people with dementia and their families feel seen, supported, and valued. For more information, visit www.memorywalk.ie
