The Alzheimer Society is there to help in times of need

If you or your loved one are experiencing changes in your memory, mood or ability to manage, don’t worry alone. Take the next step and do something about it.

About Memory loss

Everyone can be forgetful, struggle to put a name to a face or remember where the car is parked. Mild changes in memory naturally occur due to age.

However, there are some changes that are not minor and are not an ordinary part of aging. There are a number of possible reasons for changes in memory and there may be a straightforward explanation for what you are experiencing.

Possible reasons for forgetfulness and confusion include

:

Anxiety and stress, particularly following a bereavement

Depression

An infection such as a chest or bladder infection

Thyroid disorders

Vitamin deficiency

Side effects of some medications

Long term overuse of alcohol

Conditions such as mild cognitive impairment or a stroke

Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Understanding early signs

Dementia is a term that is used to describe a number of conditions that cause damage to the brain. This damage generally happens over time and will have a gradual impact on a person’s ability to remember and to manage everyday life. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common and well-known type of dementia. Other types of dementia include Vascular dementia, Lewybodies dementia and Frontotemporal dementia.

The early signs and symptoms of dementia may vary from person to person, and each type of dementia can have particular symptoms or characteristics linked to it. However, some general early signs and symptoms include:

Memory loss, particularly for recent events

Problems with language, difficulty finding the right word

Changes in mood and behaviour

Becoming confused in familiar surroundings or situations

Difficulty in following conversations, TV programmes or reading

Difficulty managing money and everyday tasks

Difficulty solving problems or doing puzzles

Loss of interest in hobbies and pastimes

Repeating a question or story several times without realising

Most people will experience a number of these signs and will find that they are having increasing difficulty over time. In general, signs and symptoms emerge gradually.


The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading provider of dementia-specific services in Ireland.

Our services operate using the philosophy of person centred care - where the person with dementia and their carer is placed at the centre of the care service, respecting the rights of the person with dementia, so that they are actively involved in making any decisions about their care.

Day Care Centres

Our Day Care Centres provide dementia-specific, person centred care in a warm, welcoming and safe environment. 

Home Care

Our trained care workers offer dementia-specific, person centred care in your home. We work to meet your individual needs as far as possible.
 

Support Groups

We facilitate support groups for family carers around Ireland, providing a safe and relaxing place to meet others and share experierences.
 

Respite Care

We operate two national respite centres in Ireland, The Orchard in Blackrock, Co Dublin and Waterman’s Lodge in Killaloe/Ballina on the Tipperary, Clare and Limerick border.

Social Clubs

Our Social Clubs are for people with dementia and their family, friends or carers. The Club is a weekly social gathering where people can drop in to chat, access information and support, meet other people as well as to exchange ideas and experiences.

The Alzheimer National Helpline Service - Freephone 1800 341 341

If you are a person with dementia, are caring for someone with dementia, or are concerned about your own or a loved ones memory why not call someone who understands.

The Longford Branch office hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.. Service include homecare, daycare mon-Fri  Sat daycare and respite care. Further details Tel 043 33 47221/3348402 or 086 3802183.