17th International Dementia Conference to explore the art and science of dementia care 

More than 40 experts in the field of dementia care will gather in Athlone next week for the 17^th International Dementia Conference. The conference, which is organised by Engaging Dementia and proudly supported by Dovida, aims to bridge worlds in dementia care and connect global perspectives with local solutions.

When is it taking place?

The two-day event takes place on Wednesday the 7^th and Thursday the 8^th of May at the Athlone Springs Hotel in Roscommon. Those attending will hear from people living with dementia, family carers and supporters, industry-leading researchers, professors and healthcare professionals.

What can I expect to see?

Speakers will present on a wide variety of topics, including Innovations in Dementia Care, Brain Health, Disease Modifying Therapies, The Creative Arts in Dementia Care and Wellbeing, and much more.

There will also be a fascinating talk by Mike Hanrahan from the band Stockton’s Wing, who will present research on music therapy and dementia, and interactive workshops from the House of Memories, a flagship dementia awareness programme from National Museums Liverpool, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art’s (IMMA) Azure Dementia Inclusive Art Experience.

What are people saying?

“We are delighted to be able to bring so many people together again this year to highlight some of the incredible work being conducted in the field of dementia care and are grateful to everyone in Dovida for their support,” Kim Tully, CEO of Engaging Dementia, said.

“There are currently over 60,000 people living with dementia in Ireland and that figure is predicted to grow to 145,000 over the next 20 years, so it is vital that we continue to develop innovative techniques and therapies that help dementia patients, and their families cope with a challenging situation while remaining connected to their community,” she added.

“Many of the clients we care for and support are people living with dementia, and we are always looking for ways to improve our services for them and their families,” Michael Wright, Director of Growth at Dovida, said.

“This conference provides a space to share ideas and learn from those with first hand experience of living with dementia and experts in the field. We are proud to support Engaging Dementia and share their vision for an inclusive society where people living with dementia are actively engaged in their community,” he concluded.  

How can I attend?

Please visit www.engagingdementia.ie for more information about the conference. Anyone interested in signing up for one of the workshops can email fgordon@engagingdementia.ie

A limited number of discounted tickets are still available. People living with dementia, their carers, and community volunteers, can come along to the conference for only €50 for a 1-day ticket and €100 for a 2-day ticket.