In Ireland it is estimated that some 31,000 people have dementia. This figure is likely to almost double over the next 20 years with our ageing population.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a group of symptoms. These include impairment in memory, intellect, judgement, language, insight and a deterioration in social skills.
While more than 100 different diseases will produce the symptoms of dementia, it is known that Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common cause of dementia and accounts for more than 50 per cent of all cases.
Below the age of 60, dementia is rare and is often associated with a strong family history. There are an estimated 2,000 people with dementia under 60 in Ireland.
The incidence of dementia increases with age: 5 per cent of 65-year-old people are likely to have dementia; 20 per cent of 80-year-old people and 25 per cent of 85-year-old people will have a dementia.
For someone in their 90s, the risk of developing dementia is 50 times greater than that of someone in their 60s.
Most people with dementia live at home and are supported by family care-givers and by community/voluntary services.