600 reported cases of dementia in Fermanagh

Brian Donaldson • Published 11 Feb 2010 10:14 0 Comments

There are many more people suffering from forms of dementia than was previously known, according to new figures just released. The latest report suggesting there are 50 per cent more dementia cases coincided with a major awareness meeting hosted by Rossorry Wednesday Club last week.

The Club which meets weekly in Rossorry Church Hall held an open meeting about living with dementia specifically for senior citizens' groups from around Fermanagh. Dementia is seen as the health and social care challenge of the 21st century with around 100 different types but with the majority of them connected to Alzheimer's.

Symptoms include memory problems, poor judgement, difficulties with everyday tasks, language problems and changes in mood, behaviour and personality.

Among those attending was Michael McIvor from Londonderry Alzheimer's Society as well as Olive Johnston, Dementia Support Manager with the Alzheimer's Society based in Enniskillen and Freda Carson, Chairman of the local support group.

Olive reported that 600 people in Fermanagh suffered from various forms of dementia based on figures but it was revealed on the same day that there were now thought to be 50 per cent more people in Northern Ireland suffering from this condition.

Olive explained how the Alzheimer's branch in Fermanagh was in existence for almost 20 years and as a full-time member of staff, she visits families affected by dementia, providing support and information. They organise carer support groups based at the Aisling Centre, Darling Street, Enniskillen during afternoons and evenings and an additional one at the Castle Park Centre in Lisnaskea.

In addition, information evenings are held periodically, on topics relating to dementia.

A new venture to be launched in April will be "memory afternoons," which will be social gatherings for dementia sufferers and also Dementia Awareness Week later this year.

She said the meeting hosted by Rossorry Wednesday Club brought people from as far as Lack, Derrylin and Lisnaskea together to discuss dementia issues.

Olive is based at the Community Services Department at Coleshill and can be contacted on 028 344073 with further details from the website, www.alzheimers.org.uk

The main speaker was Michael McIvor from Londonderry Alzheimer's Society who outlined the four different stages of Alzheimer's. Michael is also involved in training PSNI officers how to deal with the public with Alzheimer's. Also present was PSNI officer, Charles Oldcroft from Londonderry who also helps to deliver this course.

Michael spoke of the heartache of his brother and sister watching their mother fade away, who became a "stranger" rather than a loving and caring mother. He explained the work of the centre in Londonderry which treats and helps people with dementia. Pets are brought in to help people relax.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Feb 10

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