An ex-Apprentice star has spoken of her family's heartbreak after her father got diagnosed with dementia.
Dublin-based entrepreneur Pamela Laird said her family started noticing changes with her father as far back as 2010 before he was formally diagnosed in 2016. The former Dragons' Den star said: "Through my father’s diagnosis of dementia, I am all too aware of what so many families go through in Ireland – the confusion, the sadness and the isolation.
"It’s at a time like this that we need to remember those alone and get them the support that they desperately need." Pamela has called on Dubliners to sign up for the Alzheimer's Memory Walk Fundraiser.
Read more: Alzheimer’s Society demanding vital funds in Budget 2023 with cases rising
The annual event, which is taking place on Sunday, September 18, hopes to raise €250,000 for vital services that help to support people with dementia and their family carers. Pamela added: "The Alzheimer Society of Ireland does excellent work throughout the country, and my family have used their supports to help my dad with his journey with dementia."
At least 30 people a day are diagnosed with dementia in Ireland including people in their 30s, 40, and 50s. An estimated 16,967 people live with dementia in Dublin, and 64,000 people live with dementia in Ireland which will more than double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is asking people to walk with their families, friends, and pets to raise much-needed funds for dementia support. You can choose where you want to walk whether it be your back garden or local park. All you need to do is register on their website, pay the fee (€8 for kids and €20 for adults), and you will receive your walk participant pack and t-shirt.
Don't forget to share photos and videos of your walk on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using the hashtags #ASIMemoryWalk, #LetsWalkTogether and #PowerOfSupport. ASI ambassador and comedian Neil Delamere said: "We can all do our part and Walk on Sunday, September 18th to raise much-needed funds for the 500,000 people in Ireland whose families have been affected by dementia.
"The ASI really relies on funds to keep its supports and services going such as daycare, home care, dementia advisers, family carer training, Alzheimer Cafes and social clubs."
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