Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support In Cork
As the Evening Echo features a young woman from Ballincollig, Sarah McCoy, who has made a documentary to show the positive side of Alzheimer’s, we thought it a good time to take a look at Alzheimer’s and Dementia support in Cork.
What Is Dementia?
The Alzheimer’s Association describes dementia as a ‘general term for a decline in metal ability severe enough to interfere with daily life’.
Rather than being a specific disease, dementia is an overall term to describe a wide range of symptoms which are associated with a decline in memory and other thinking skills. The two most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s, which accounts for up-to 80% of cases, and vascular dementia occurring after a stroke. However, there are many other conditions that can cause dementia symptoms, some of which are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.
Symptoms Of Dementia
Symptoms of dementia can vary greatly but in general early signs and symptoms of dementia can include:
- Memory loss
- Communication and language
- Inability to pay attention and focus
- Reasoning and judgement
- Visual perception
If you’re concerned that a loved may be showing any of the symptoms above, it’s really important to make an appointment for them to see your GP as soon as possible. The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland have also produced a factsheet on the early symptoms and diagnosis of dementia.
There are a range of organisations ready to provide support, both here in Cork and nationally, if your loved one has just been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer National Helpline on 1800 341 341 is a helpful first port of call, as they can talk to you in confidence about the process of diagnosing and living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Alzheimer’s And Dementia Support In Cork
Staying active and social is recognised as one of the most effective ways to treat dementia and improve the quality of life of sufferers. The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ASI) run a 7 day care centres across County Cork in Bessboro, Midleton, Mallow, Conna, Bandon, Mitchelstown and Skibbereen. Click here for details of the ASI day care centres in county Cork.
The ASI day care centres offer respite for carers and company for users and are social clubs which are designed for people to meet each other and offer peer support.
St Finbarr’s Hospital Alzheimer Cafe in Cork is also a social club that provides a safe and relaxed place where people with dementia, their families and health and social care professionals can meet to talk, share and learn.
The ASI run 3 support groups for families affected by dementia in Cork. ASI family support groups provide the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation to share stories, access information and practical advice in a relaxed, understanding and supportive environment. Find out more about the ASI Family Support Groups in Cork.
The ASI are also one of the first ports of call to get personal advice on what specialist support is available for you in the area. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland case management services support people affected by dementia, who would benefit from having someone work with them to access services and support in Cork. In Cork, the service is open to people from both Cork City and county. For further information, contact the Cork case management service on 021 497 2504.
Bluebird in-home dementia care are a nationwide care organisation that provide ‘in their own home’ care services for Alzheimer and dementia sufferers in county Cork. The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland also provide home care delivered from care centres in Bessboro, Mallow and Skibereen.