Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Mattie McGrath. I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I congratulate Fianna Fáil and Deputy Mary Butler on introducing this topic for discussion. I know the Minister of State is well aware of the topic and is extremely interested in it. I know it is a topic that will probably not be contested and all the better because what is in the motion is very sensible.

Dementia is the most common degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Due to our ageing population, it is going to be an ever-increasing burden on our health service. I think we are all aware of this and we all realise the challenge this will pose for us. As it is structured, the health service is probably ill equipped to deal with the problem. Diagnosis can be difficult. Dementia becomes apparent over time but the changes can be very subtle and can be quite similar to symptoms of depression. Gradually, it becomes apparent that it is a disease of most recent event memory loss. People with dementia can remember their childhood but, unfortunately, they cannot remember what they did yesterday or even in recent times. It can be a difficult diagnosis to make but it becomes apparent eventually.

Unfortunately, medication currently available does not alter the progression of the disease. It may control the speed of progression but it does not alter the disease process. Much of the medication we use involves controlling symptoms rather than the disease. There needs to be far more research into the causes of dementia, prevention and delaying progression. For the moment, the health service is tasked with dealing with the problem as it is. Dementia puts huge pressure on the patient and his or her family and carers. These are patients who have lived very productive lives. They have raised families and worked hard all their lives and now they are struck with this devastating disease, which may be a prolonged illness and last for many years. It robs them of their older years when they can enjoy their family and grandchildren, which is devastating for them.

It is very important that people with dementia are managed within their own homes. This is where the emphasis should be. Many families are able to cope with relatives suffering with dementia and keep them at home in familiar surroundings.

This is the most important thing. Many do it without assistance. Sooner or later, unfortunately, they will require greater care, which should be delivered in the home by carers and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, which provides excellent home care for patients.

We also need to develop non-residential day centres where patients can go for themselves in order that they can have social interventions, which are probably more important than medical interventions. Many day care centres provide dementia-specific care, giving patients an intellectual outlet. They can engage in art, music, group therapy and reminiscence therapy. Reminiscence therapy is very important for people with dementia. There are many strategies which can be introduced which do not require residential care.

Unfortunately, sooner or later, people may reach the stage where they require residential care, and this may be accommodated within our standard nursing home structure. Many of our nursing homes go out of their way to look after patients with dementia within the common care of a nursing home. Unfortunately, some people develop serious behavioural problems and require nursing care in specialist dementia units. These are being developed throughout the country and it is very important that the Government supports these structures.

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