Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleagues in the Labour Party for bringing forward this motion and for their contributions to this debate. I assure Senator Marc MacSharry, as someone from the same constituency as the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, that she is well able to fight her corner. I have no doubt whatsoever that she will secure every possible cent for this area of the health care budget.

I propose to focus on one aspect of the motion, namely, services for people with dementia. It is an issue that will assume greater prominence in the coming years. In fact, according to Health Service Executive estimates, the number of people in Ireland suffering from dementia will increase from its current level of more than 40,000 to 100,000 plus by 2036. Advances in health care, better nutrition, improved working conditions and a reduction in poverty have all contributed to people living longer and generally healthier lives. Arising from these welcome developments is an ever increasing cohort of aging people. Unfortunately, one of the unforeseen consequences of improved health care, better social conditions and longer lives is a very significant increase in dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. While dementia should never be seen as a normal part of ageing, it is a risk factor for many.

As defined by the World Health Organization, dementia is a syndrome, usually of a chronic or progressive nature, caused by a variety of brain illnesses that affect a person's memory, thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday activities. Some 60% to 70% of dementia patients have Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms vary from the mild to the very extreme and the prognosis can vary considerably from person to person. A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine estimates that the prevalence of dementia in the over 70s is of the order of 14.7%.

In Ireland, Central Statistics Office population projections show that the number of people over the age of 65 is set to rise from its current level of 550,000 to 1.3 million or more by 2041. During the same period, the number of people aged 80 or over is projected to increase from some 71,000 to 257,000. Enhanced longevity increases the risk of contracting dementia. In fact, international studies indicate that the number of people with Alzheimer's disease doubles for every five-year interval past the age of 65. Dementia is a deep personal affliction for sufferers. Moreover, huge emotional, psychological and financial stress is often placed on the family members who care for them. According to HSE figures, 40% of people with dementia are in residential care, while just over 40% are cared for by family members. In addition, at any one time, 18% of acute hospital beds are occupied by people with dementia. This latter figure is an indication that there are gaps in the care provision for patients with dementia. The WHO report also draws attention to the need to have a legislative framework for people with dementia to ensure their personal dignity and rights are protected.

In the programme for Government we undertook to develop a national Alzheimer's disease and dementia strategy by 2013 to increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention, and facilitate the development of enhanced community-based services. A commitment was given to implement the strategy over five years. We all acknowledge that the Minister of State is doing a great deal of work in this regard. Likewise, the HSE is making significant progress in the area of training and community support. It is imperative, however, that the Government should move decisively to develop the promised strategy on dementia. Several organisations, including the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, have made excellent submissions on this issue. As the WHO points out, people with dementia and their caregivers often have unique insights into their condition. They should be involved in formulating the policies, health plans, laws and services that relate to them. The strategy must focus on prevention, early detection, patient care, treatment protocols and research.

Ireland should begin to take a lead in the medical treatment of dementia, research into its causes and new drug treatments. The time has come for the Government to establish a national institute for dementia modelled on the various institutes assembled under the umbrella of the National Institutes of Health in the United States. This body should be part-funded by the State, with additional funding potentially being sourced from the EU's Horizon 2020 research programme. In fact, a specific portion of the research budget should be devoted to health, demographic change and well-being. In addition, there are many wealthy individuals in this country who might be persuaded to support such an institute. Dementia is an international health issue that is growing in magnitude. The WHO estimates that caring for people with dementia has a global cost of more than $600 billion per annum. An Irish institute devoted exclusively to this major health issue could soon become a centre of excellence, attracting international funding and expertise.

There is still some residual stigma attached to dementia which must be tackled. Dementia is a real and gathering challenge to us all. As the number with dementia grows, resources will be stretched. We must not ignore the challenge, however, because it will not go away. Instead, we must face it with determination and resolve and, above all, with compassion for those directly affected and those caring for them. I thank the Minister of State for the work she is doing in the area of mental health care. Now is the time for us to work together in developing new policies and strategies for dealing with this issue of national concern.

I will conclude by referring to a particular issue of concern. Many hospitals are using a tracking device to ensure dementia patients who move away from their own ward can be easily located. As I said, more than 40,000 people in this country have dementia. We should give serious consideration to developing a national scheme whereby such devices would be made available to all people with dementia, particularly those residing at home.

I am talking in particular about people who have the early signs of dementia. It is a huge concern for families. In a recent case in Dublin, a lady was missing for two days before she was located. We should look at this issue from a national point of view. We should encourage families to get involved in the strategy. It might be helpful for the HSE to organise a competition for the design of the roll-out and implementation of this strategy. That is something we should look at.