Friends of Dementia

Following The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s successful campaign during 2010/11 to make dementia a national health priority, the Programme for Government 2011 publicly stated that a National Dementia Strategy would be developed by Fine Gael and Labour by 2013. 

While The Alzheimer Society of Ireland welcomed the public support from Government, it accepted the challenge of the tough economic climate, resourcing issues and mounting pressure on Government to prioritise critical issues.

Recognising the strength and potential of our branches and the importance of leveraging its impassioned network of volunteers, we saw an opportunity to create a formal cross party group of elected officials which would grow commitment within Dáil Eireann while also opening up a sustained and consistent communications channel between The Alzheimer Society and supportive elected officials.

By asking supporters in our regions to lobby their local politicians, asking supportive TDs and Senators to sign up to our Friends of Dementia alliance, we have continued to keep dementia on the political agenda by building cross party political support in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

We thank this cross party alliance for supporting The Alzheimer Society of Ireland in its journey in reaching its ultimate political goal – ensuring a National Dementia Strategy is published.