Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 17 July 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform

Pre-Budget Submissions: Discussion (Resumed)

10:40 am

Mr. Gerry Martin:

It is certainly clear and evidence exists to suggest that there are modifiable risk factors. Simply, what is good for one's heart is good for one's brain. If we can get that message out to the general population, we will certainly see results.

Even after diagnosis, it has been demonstrated that people who benefit from early intervention, through cognitive stimulation therapy, can have improved outcomes and a better quality of life. There is no cure, as I am sure everyone is aware, but some drug modifications can help. Certainly, lifestyle is a factor. If the general population can be educated on this, there will be in incremental decrease in the incidence of the disease.