Noticing a much-loved family member or friend’s cognitive decline can prove to be extremely upsetting for us. And, as everyone will experience different levels of emotions when dealing with the many issues, signs and symptoms surrounding dementia, an annual ‘Living with Dementia in Rural Ireland’ conference, being held to specifically address and discuss readers’ concerns, with a focus on ‘Disability and Human Rights with Dementia’, has been arranged to take place on Monday, 27th of May in King House, Boyle, County Roscommon.
A diagnosis of dementia can place not just an enormous, and often unsustainable financial and emotional pressure on those living with the condition, it can also cause stress and anxiety for those caring for them.
For this reason, this month’s conference welcomes a range of expert speakers such as John Quinn from Brisbane, Australia and Carol Hargreaves from Scotland, who will share their own personal stories and experiences with attendees. In addition, such intellects as Mary McCarron, Professor of Ageing and Intellectual Disability at Trinity College will provide an expert insight into the area of Down Syndrome, Dementia and Palliative Care.
Those living with dementia will know that adapting to a new lifestyle, which can often include disrupted sleep patterns, medical insurance issues, social isolation, and other dementia-related symptoms, may make the task of managing the condition a particularly arduous one, both for them and for their caregivers. To that end, conference organisers have promised attendees “will hear from family members who live with dementia and how they adapt to the new circumstances in their lifestyle”.
In addition, London-based Jules Montague, a neurologist specialising in dementia, and NUIG graduate Orna Doris, a Speech and Language therapist, will be on hand to provide their own expert advice.
All in all, for those who may feel that nobody understands, the agenda, which is set to showcase ‘a day of positive and honest interaction between those living daily with dementia and the researchers, medical professionals and support providers’ will be on offer in order that those living in rural Roscommon who are affected by this serious mental health issue can not just connect with others, but will hopefully get a better understanding of the condition as a whole, with advice regarding supports on offer to help them learn how to work towards living a more balanced and improved quality of life.
