Wexford Dementia Initiatives to Take Spotlight at Major European Conference

More than 1,300 delegates are expected in Dublin next week for a major European dementia conference, where initiatives from Wexford will highlight how communities can better support people living with the condition.

The 36th Alzheimer Europe Conference takes place at the Convention Centre Dublin from October 27th to 29th, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin due to address the opening ceremony. Co-hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, it is the first time Ireland has hosted the event since 2005.

The conference comes as the number of people living with dementia in Ireland is projected to rise from almost 70,000 to more than 151,000 by 2050, according to Alzheimer Europe's 2025 prevalence report.

Wexford initiatives in the spotlight

Cathryn O'Leary, a Clonee native and National Community Engagement Manager with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, will present at the conference.

A member of the Wexford Dementia Alliance, Cathryn will discuss the Friends of ASI initiative, which aims to improve understanding of dementia, challenge stigma and help people living with the condition remain active in their communities.

A Wexford-based cookery pilot will also feature. The four-week programme, delivered at the Alzheimer Society of Ireland Lodge in Enniscorthy, involved 12 people living with early or young-onset dementia.

Improvements were observed in participants' cooking confidence, meal timing and willingness to try new foods.

The conference theme, Sláinte: Building Momentum in Dementia Through Policy, Research and Partnership, will explore developments in research and treatment, brain health, care and support, and how services can respond to the growing number of people affected.

Further information is available from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.