David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the prevalence of fromtotemporal dementia in this country; the indicators of this condition; the research that is being carried out here into this condition; her plans to put supports in place for persons with this condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32750/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Dementia is a group of symptoms characterized by impairment in a person's memory, intellect, judgement, language, insight and a deterioration in their social skills.

Frontotemporal dementia (frontotemporal lobar degeneration) is an umbrella term for a diverse group of disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain — the areas generally associated with personality, behaviour and language. Signs and symptoms vary, depending upon the portion of the brain affected. Typically, during the initial stages of frontotemporal dementia, the person's memory is still intact but their personality and behaviour changes. It is important to recognise that these symptoms have a physical cause, and cannot usually be controlled or contained by the person.

There is no specific prevalence data on frontotemporal dementia in Ireland. However it is estimated that frontotemporal dementia constitutes less than 5% of the total cases of dementia (which in Ireland is estimated to be in the region of 40,000 people), with the highest prevalence in those of ages 40-70.

In Ireland research has been conducted into this condition by Professor Tim Lynch of the Mater Hospital in collaboration with Dr. Robert Coen (neuropsychologist) from St. James Hospital. The Health Research Board currently funds three research projects which are specifically focused on frontotemporal dementia.

The Deputy will be aware that Government Policy is to support people including those suffering from all forms of dementia to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. Over the last three years over €200 million in additional funding has been provided to develop community-services with particular emphasis in recent years given to developing home care packages, home-help services, meals-on-wheels and day/respite care across the country.

In addition to the above the HSE undertook a needs assessment of bed capacity requirements in the areas of long-stay, dementia specific and respite care beds. This assessment has informed proposals to expand capacity through the provision of 860 additional public beds under the Fast Track Bed Initiative over the period 2007-2010. The latest information provided by HSE indicates that by the end of June 2009, 333 additional long-stay beds had been made available under this initiative.

The recently published National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland, approved by the Minister for Health and Children include supplementary criteria for dementia specific residential care units which are to be read in conjunction with the general standards and apply to settings, or units within settings, exclusively for the needs of people with dementia.

Preliminary work will be carried out by the Department of Health and Children shortly on scoping work for developing a Dementia Policy.