The first HSE West and North West Dementia Conference took place in Galway in April in partnership with University of Galway, Ireland, to highlight this growing health issue.
Dementia is a major and escalating public health challenge in Ireland, with a rising number of diagnoses largely driven by the country’s aging population.
There is also a notable rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with early-onset dementia (under the age of 65).
The number of people living with dementia is expected to increase significantly, with projections indicating that by 2045, over 150,000 individuals will be affected nationally.
Currently, over 12,000 individuals are estimated to be living across the West and North West with dementia, according to the 2022 census.
The conference was chaired by Paula Noone, Assistant Director of Nursing for Dementia Quality Improvement, HSE West and North West and Dr Maria Costello, Consultant Geriatrician, University Hospital Galway and Senior Lecturer in Geriatric Medicine, University of Galway.
Dr Costello stated, “The goal of this conference was to bring together health professionals from across the region to learn, network, and inspire one another, fostering collaboration and shared knowledge to support their vital work with people living with dementia.”
“The event also underscored the crucial role of academic partnerships in advancing research and education to drive innovation and excellence in the field.”
The event brought together over 170 healthcare professionals from diverse sectors, all working to enhance care for individuals affected by dementia. Patient representative groups and key support organisations were also present.
There were a number of presentations on the day from across the region focusing on clinical services, research, quality improvement initiatives and emerging treatments for dementia.
The experiences of individuals and families affected by dementia were also highlighted, with the voice of carers featuring throughout the discussions.
The opening address to the conference was delivered by Ann Cosgrove, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager Galway and Roscommon, who opened the conference by stating: “I’m delighted to see such a diverse range of healthcare professionals here today to share their knowledge and expertise in this field.”
“This is the first Dementia Conference for the West and North West and it marks the beginning of renewed collaboration and emphasis on dementia care and explores how we best deliver it across the acute and community settings.”
Awards were presented at the conference to three teams in recognition of their work in dementia, which had been submitted for adjudication.
- 1st prize: Psychiatry of Later Life Team, Roscommon Mental Health Service
- 2nd prize: Integrated Care for Older Persons Service, Galway East City and County
- 3rd prize: Psychiatry of Old Age Service, Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service
Dr Seán O’Dowd, Consultant Neurologist, Clinical Lead for the National Dementia Office, attended the event and gave a keynote speech on the day.
He commented: “It was hugely powerful to see the commitment in the room from those working in the West and North West, and the passion to make things better for those affected by these diseases and their families.”
“HSE National Dementia Services will continue to advocate for further resourcing to ensure equitable access and care across the spectrum from earliest symptoms to advanced need.”
