Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to support Senator Landy's call for support for the national strategy on dementia. Together with Senator Landy and many other colleagues I attended the pre-budget submission of the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland. There are currently 41,700 Irish people with dementia and this figure is expected to double in the next 25 years. The current system cannot cope with 41,700 people and there is no sign that preparations are being made to cope with a doubling of that number in the next 25 years. The Alzheimer's society is pleading with politicians to support its campaign to make the Government present and develop a national plan for dementia. In the most awesome and inspiring speech yesterday, Professor Ian Robertson of Trinity College's institute of neuroscience said that 20 years ago, hearing the diagnosis of cancer would lead us to fear, despair and hopelessness. He said that today, cancer is seen as a frightening diagnosis but as one for which there are options, possibilities and for some form for hope. Today, Alzheimer's disease and its diagnosis leads to similar reaction to the cancer diagnosis of 20 years ago - shock, fear and resignation. Professor Robertson said that the key to dealing with this condition is prevention. All of us at the Royal Irish Academy were in awe to hear that we could individually make an effort to prevent getting that awful Alzheimer's disease. He spoke about prevention at the outset of Alzheimer's by lifestyle changes in ordinary people and also by trying to delay the progression of symptoms in people already diagnosed. A lady spoke who one year ago was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She explained how she had become optimistic over some months and she then had to persuade her colleagues and friends that there is hope, that she will not collapse into this awful disease.

Professor Robertson said that the seven secrets of prevention are aerobic exercise; good diet; keeping stress under control; mental stimulation; social engagement; new learning; and a youthful and positive mental attitude. He said that the three main points are that each of us should challenge ourselves continuously, make changes in our lives and keep learning. The bottom line is that in 20 years time we should not look back and ask "why did I not do that?" That is why I have decided I will throw my hat into the ring to go for the Dáil in the new Dublin-Rathdown area. I do not want to be looking back.