The statistics on Alzheimer’s disease are alarming on paper. In 2006, there were 26.6 million sufferers worldwide.
In 2010, the estimate had risen to 35.5 million. Barring innovative medical advances (which are pretty likely), and given that the average age of world population is trending older, it is thought that by 2050, one in every 85 people on the planet will suffer from the disease.
Harrowing as this thought might be, understanding of the disease and coping strategies for sufferers and those affected has been steadily improving over the years. Home Instead are a nationwide agency who source caregivers for the elderly and seniors who need assistance in coping with medical conditions, enabling them to stay in their home.
Bernie Byrne, Community Liaison for their Merrion Road office explained that, “most sufferers of these diseases are cared for at home. The progress of these diseases is slow, and caring for sufferers becomes a family matter.
Family carers need a lot of support and education in terms of what to expect, and in understanding the diseases.”
Home Instead Merrion Road now offer a regular two-hour workshop offering advice and information, between 11am and 1pm, on the last Wednesday of every month. “The unofficial title is Until There is a Cure… and as well as family members of sufferers, we invite shop keepers, staff from local banks, anyone in a community who might come into contact with people suffering from dementia.”
The overall aim is to promote the creation of dementia-friendly areas by raising awareness.
Image of elderly in care, courtesy Bernie Byrne.
By Rúairí Conneely
