“The commitment and energy on display reflected the outstanding work being done by staff and organisations alike, all united by a shared determination to improve the lives of those affected by dementia,” according to John Fitzmaurice, HSE Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan. He was speaking at the recent second HSE West and North West Dementia Conference.
As it continues to grow as a vital forum for advancing dementia care, the gathering served to reinforce a shared commitment to innovation, compassion and person-centred practice.
The conference brought together over 240 healthcare professionals, researchers and advocates. Organised in partnership with the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and hosted on their Sligo campus, the event highlighted innovation, shared learning, and the central importance of lived experience in shaping future services.
Dr Elaine Loughlin, Consultant Geriatrician, University Hospital Galway (UHG) explained how “the event’s aim was to unite healthcare professionals across disciplines to learn, network and inspire one another in their vital work supporting people living with dementia.
“It also underscored the importance of strong academic partnerships in advancing research and education. Such collaboration is essential in driving innovation and excellence in dementia care through shared knowledge and continuous learning.”
A diverse programme of presentations showcased clinical services, research developments, quality improvement initiatives, and emerging treatments. Attendees also heard powerful perspectives from individuals and families affected by dementia, with the opening address delivered by Global Dementia Ambassador Dr Helen Rochford-Brennan.
Dr Rochford-Brennan, who is living with dementia, delivered a compelling message on the importance of person-centred care noting how she wants to “continue doing the things I enjoy. I want to live at home for as long as I’m able to.”
She added that “it’s all about recognising the richness of every person’s experience and promoting understanding and respect.”
Chaired by Paula Noone, Assistant Director of Nursing for Dementia Quality Improvement, HSE West and North West, alongside Consultant Geriatricians Dr Loughlin and Dr Gráinne O’Malley, Sligo University Hospital, the conference created a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and professional connection.
A highlight of the day was the formation of a special dementia choir, comprising 40 people living with dementia and their families from Aughamore Day Centre, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and St John’s Community Hospital, Ballytivnan, Co Sligo. The choir brought energy and emotion to the event, embodying the emphasis on inclusion and lived experience.
Clinical Nurse Managers Bini Poulose and Clair Culkin reflected how they were “delighted to be invited to establish a dementia choir. It provided people living with dementia with a valuable social outlet, while ensuring that the importance of lived experience remained at the heart of the day’s message.”
The conference also celebrated excellence in dementia care through a series of awards, which had been submitted for adjudication. First prize went to the multi-disciplinary team in Sligo Leitrim Memory Assessment and Support Service (MASS). Second prize went to Cassandra Uí Ghogáin, Falcarragh Community Hospital, Co Donegal and third prize was presented to Claire McCusker, Senior Speech and Language Therapist, St John’s Community Hospital, Ballytivnan.
Dementia remains a major and growing public health challenge in Ireland, driven by an ageing population and increasing rates of early-onset diagnoses. There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. Over 12,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the West and North West region alone, according to the 2022 census. Nationally, this figure is projected to exceed 150,000 by 2045.