Sir, – As the CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, an organisation that supports thousands of families across Ireland, I am deeply disheartened by the glaring omission of dementia and older people’s issues from the national discourse in this general election. While housing, childcare, and other pressing issues dominate headlines and political platforms, 500,000 Irish people whose families have been affected by dementia are left out of the conversation.
Dementia is not an isolated issue; it is a national one. It affects every community, every constituency, and every generation. For those living with the condition, access to timely diagnosis, appropriate care, and adequate support services can make all the difference. While I recognise that several political parties have included dementia and older person issues in their general election manifestos, for family carers – many of whom sacrifice careers and well-being to support loved ones – the lack of discourse surrounding these issues is worrying.
Despite its profound societal impact, dementia remains a silent crisis.
Ireland still lacks sufficient specialist dementia services and post-diagnostic supports. Carers struggle to navigate fragmented systems, and rural communities face challenges due to a lack of accessible resources.
While there have been great strides in the outgoing Government to provide dementia-specific support and services, the work is not complete.
I call on all political parties to commit to concrete measures for those affected by dementia. Ireland urgently needs increased investment in dementia-specific care, and funding to fully implement the model of care, we need to look at the need for a new dementia strategy with achievable targets, prepare for disease modifying therapies, and make them accessible to all who need them, and a robust plan to support carers.
Ignoring the voices of hundreds of thousands of people is not just a political oversight; it is a moral failing.
Dementia must no longer be relegated to the shadows of public debate.
Let’s give this issue the attention it deserves because every vote, every policy, and every action will count for those living with dementia and their families.
We are keen to contribute to this discourse. Our election manifesto dementiapledge.ie outlines some of the critical areas we as a country must address to meet the needs of the dementia communities and for a growing population. – Yours, etc,
ANDY HEFFERNAN,
CEO,
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.