Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation

Almost one in three young people knows someone with dementia. A growing number of young people are likely to be affected by dementia through family or friends as the population ages. To create a dementia-friendly generation, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland supports young people in understanding and taking action against dementia.

The ‘Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation’ Transition Year Programme aims to educate teenagers about Alzheimer’s disease and remove its stigma.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has created this Programme in collaboration with the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre. It is an exciting and innovative campaign delivered to schools nationwide.

The ASI can tailor the Programme to each school’s individual needs with varying levels of engagement. The Project is an official Challenge Partner with An Gaisce The President’s Award, which includes the added opportunity for Gaisce participants to fulfil challenge area requirements.

This TY Programme intends to educate the younger population and provide a forum for people with Dementia, families, supporters and friends to reminisce and learn about the disease through an online platform.

This E-learning programme contains five modules of self-directed learning on the Moodle platform. These include:

• Growing Older
• The Brain
• Brain Health
• What is Dementia?
• Perceptions of Dementia

all of which aim to help and facilitate knowledge, discussion, awareness and caring for those with Dementia as well as older people in general.

We would invite schools to undertake a fundraising element in their program as it will help raise much-needed funds for services and support for people living with Dementia in your local community. Besides supporting your fundraising, the ASI can also work with you to design your event or engage with one of their scheduled events.

Upon completion of the programme, each student can become a Peer Educator to their fellow students and those in the junior cycle through our ToolKits. Videos & worksheets are also available to stimulate group activities and creative engagement.
A rising dementia diagnosis rate has inspired the development of the Our TY Program to educate the younger generation on the effects of Dementia and make our communities a safer, more inclusive environment.

Speaking about the launch of this new programme, Cathryn O’Leary, National Community Engagement Manager, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland said: The ASI is very excited to launch this new Creating a Dementia inclusive Generation programme. With a growing number of people being diagnosed with Dementia each year it is more important than ever that we teach the youth of today how to cope when someone they know and love receives a diagnosis of Dementia. The programme aims to take away the fear, to empower young people to be able to cope with the situation and ultimately to take away the stigma associated with Dementia.”

Please click here to download the TY Programme handbook