Picture credit: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
The HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) have teamed up to raise public awareness of dementia through pharmacies across Ireland in a new campaign entitled Dementia Understand Together.
Dementia Understand Together is a public support, awareness and information campaign aimed at inspiring people from all sections of society to stand together to support people living with dementia and their families.
There are currently 55,000 people in Ireland living with dementia. All are living with a condition that deeply impacts their lives and the lives of those who love and care for them.
Mary Manning, National Dementia Office, HSE said,
“1 in 2 Irish people know or have known someone with dementia. Despite this, only 1 in 4 people feel they have a good understanding of what dementia is and what it isn’t. Fear is also a major factor when it comes to seeking diagnosis or help in relation to dementia with 1 in 4 people saying that they would delay seeking help*.
By increasing awareness we hope to break down some of the stigma and fear that surrounds dementia and show that with the right support people can live well with dementia. The HSE is proud to be working with the IPU to promote dementia awareness in communities across Ireland”.
As two thirds of people living with dementia live in our communities, a central part of the Understand Together campaign is building partnerships with businesses and organisations across all sectors in Ireland to help build supportive, compassionate and inclusive communities for those affected by dementia.
Daragh Connolly, IPU President said,
“The IPU is pleased to be working with Dementia Understand Together and the HSE to promote better awareness of dementia through its members. Pharmacists play a central role in communities as trusted sources of information and support. Pharmacists often provide vital support for those concerned about their health and also sources of advice and information for people who have received diagnoses or commenced treatments for conditions such as dementia.”
Dementia Understand Together information leaflets and posters are on display, in pharmacies across the country.