Don’t forget to register for Alzheimer’s walk

Geraldine Fitzgerald

Over 7,500 people here in Cork are living with dementia. Families ride tidal waves of emotion as they watch their loved one sink into a fog of forgetfulness, losing the essence of who they used to be.

Support is vital to help these families stay afloat, allowing them to provide care without becoming overwhelmed.

The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk 2023 is a family-friendly event launched this week by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) to unite friends, families and communities and to raise awareness and funds for dementia supports.

Open to all ages, the memory walk is aimed at helping the ASI to raise money for vital services that support so many people living with dementia and those who care for them. These services include daycare, daycare at home, family carer training, social clubs, cafés, and a national helpline.

Currently, 64,000 people are living with dementia in Ireland, and those numbers will more than double to over 150,000 by 2045, so the need for support services is huge.

The launch was awash with celebrities, from comedian Neil Delamere to business entrepreneur Pamela Laird, to our own Miss Cork Rachel O’Leary.

Pamela Laird praised the remarkable work of the ASI, and explained that her own family has personally used their supports during her fathers’ journey with dementia.

“It is crucial for the ASI to continue fundraising to sustain their valuable services. Having witnessed firsthand the impact of my father's dementia diagnosis, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by numerous families in Ireland—feelings of confusion, sadness, and isolation. I am determined to shine a spotlight on dementia as it urgently requires our attention.”

Miss Cork, Rachel O’Leary, said she was proud to walk together with everyone, and to “go forward creating a future filled with joy and hope, where no one is ever forgotten. As my two grandparents live with dementia, I know the importance of carrying the happiest moments from both the past and present forward, as they are the treasures we hold on to.”

TV personality Martin King also of his personal experience. “My mam Christina was a beautiful soul; very caring and loving and then dementia came knocking at the door and she was in denial because she was afraid. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are called the long goodbye for a reason. You can’t stop it as it’s happening and it’s emotionally very painful to go through.”

Register for the Memory Walk on 24 September at www.alzeimhers.ie. There are three Cork locations to choose from. Registration costs €5 for kids and €18 for adults, including a pack with a t-shirt.

If you need help now, the ASI operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering info and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800-341341.

The helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 4pm, or via live chat at www.alzheimer.ie.