Return to flip book view

Message Your kindness in action.Forget-me- notNews.Forget-me- notNews.Summer 2025Wayne and Siobhán Baron, living well after Wayne’s diagnosis• Meet National Community Engagement Manager Cathryn O’Leary• Tips for living with young onset dementia• Gregory retires on his 70th• Your Community NewsInside this edition:

If you would like to talk to someone about any aspect of dementia, just phone ourNational Helpline on 1800 341 341Exciting progress you make possibleHello again,I hope you enjoy your latest edition of Forget-me-not News. It’s full of stories and updates that your amazing support makes possible, and I’m happy to share news of the rst therapy that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, which was approved by the European Commission in April. It will be suitable for a small number of people in the early stages of the disease and we hope to see it reach Ireland in the next year. So, thank you, because none of this progress would be happening without your wonderful support.Andy Heernan CEO, The Alzheimer Society of IrelandOver 4,000 people live with young onset dementia in Ireland, and it can bring its own unique challenges. So, here are a few tips on how to live well with the disease.• Keep doing the things you enjoy and don’t make changes until you feel you have to.• Stay active. Get out and about and stay connected with friends and family.• People with dementia are protected by Equality Law and your employer is required to put ‘appropriate measures’ in place to help you keep working.• Get ahead of things and plan for the future by dealing with changes in your nancial and legal aairs.Remember, you are not alone. If you’re worried about young onset dementia, call our Helpline on 1800 341 341 or visit our website alzheimer.ie for more information.Living well with young onset dementiaCaring for the ones you love

I’ve worked in the charity sector all my life, and when my mother was diagnosed with dementia, I decided I wanted to work with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. I started with them in 2020, and three years ago I took on my dream role as National Community Engagement Manager. And I absolutely love it.When I started out it was just me. Now I have a fabulous team of four, including my line manager Siobhan, who are just as passionate as me.You’re helping to change our societyIt’s all about raising awareness and helping to build a dementia-friendly society. One where people living with dementia can live the lives they want, in their own communities, and where carers feel supported by their community.None of what we do is rocket science, it’s just about building relationships and empowering communities. We piloted a Dementia Inclusive Community programme in Macroom two years ago, and now we have 14 of these groups across the country.Dungarvan is an area that’s doing amazing work. We did an awareness night there and about 40 people signed up straightaway. They set up a memory cafe, organise awareness workshops, connect people with supports, create social activities and run fundraising events.You help make a real dierenceWe’re working with young people too, to create a dementia inclusive generation, and we run Sporting Memories events with bodies like the GAA and the FAI. We have men in their 80s remembering matches they played in secondary school, laughing and singing with pals they haven’t met for decades. It’s such a joy to see the light in their eyes.And it’s all thanks to you, our amazing community of supporters. You’re the crucial part of the jigsaw that makes it all possible.“ It’s an honour to do this work!” – Cathryn O’LearyThe vital work you help supportCathryn O’Leary and her mum, who lives with dementia.

Dermot and Mary Toland – Instagram post 7 January 25Your wonderful ambassador retires from Fair CityAs always, our amazing ASI Tea Day ambassadors, Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O’Brien ew the ag brilliantly at this year’s hugely successful event. But there was some sad news too for Fair City fans when Bryan announced his retirement from the soap opera after 20 years in the show.Una has always been open about how dicult their journey has become, adding that both she and Bryan are hugely grateful for the support they continue to get from amazing people like you.Happy retirement Gregory!Last month, we said a very fond farewell to Gregory McMahon, one of our amazing sta members, who retired from our Glenties Day Care Centre on his 70th birthday.Gregory has been a much loved part of our team for over ten years, and he’ll be deeply missed by all of us. Happy birthday Gregory, and may you have a long and happy retirement.The invaluable support you provideDermot Toland was diagnosed with dementia over four years ago, and his lovely wife Mary said the best advice they ever got was to contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. After contacting our Helpline, she received invaluable information, accessed online resources and support forums, and completed the Family Carer Training course. So, if you or a loved one is dealing with a dementia diagnosis, please know that you’re not alone.Your Community NewsYou’re at the heart of our community“ All along our journey, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has supported us.”“ In honesty, I’ve lost my friend and my companion” – Una Crawford O’Brien

This year’s Memory Walk takes place in locations all across Ireland on World Alzheimer’s Day, Sunday the 21st of September, and if you would like to take part, registration is open from June onwards.Just visit memorywalk.ie and enjoy a fun day out with friends and family, walking in memory of someone close to you and raising vital funds for those impacted by dementia.Are you up for Memory Walk 2025?Your support makes all the dierenceWayne and Siobhán Baron are living well with young onset dementia.Since Wayne Baron was diagnosed with Young Onset Lewy body dementia in 2018, he and his wife Siobhán have been overcoming challenges together.Wayne was just 52 when he was diagnosed and our world turned upside down. Within six months, he had to give up his job as Head Chef at the Bijou Bistro in Rathgar, and I had to go back to work to help keep everything going.The rst people we turned to was The ASI. We both thought, yeah, this is where we need to be. And the support we still get, has been absolutely unbelievable.Lewy body dementia aects mobility, as well as cognitive function, which means Wayne now uses a stick to get around. He began to feel quite isolated because of that, and he sometimes feels very alone, having dementia so young. But one in ten people diagnosed in Ireland is under 65. And young onset dementia aects people in their 50s and 40s, and even in their 30s.I joined the ASI Under 65’s Carer Group which has been incredibly supportive. Wayne’s still very positive, he’s a youthful hippy really, and last year we did Memory Walk with family and friends, which was fantastic. This year we decided to do Tea Day instead, even though Wayne doesn’t drink tea. But we’ve had great support, and we’re determined to keep on making memories together.Siobhán Baron

Thank you!CHY No: CHY7868 CRN: 20018238 If you’d like to help even more people in our community access the care and services they need, please consider turning your kindness into an ongoing, regular gift at alzheimer.ie/donateThank you for your amazing support!Or, make an instant gift today by pointing your phone camera at this QR code.You make our community stronger20% increase in people attending social clubs, Alzheimer Cafes, Choirs and Support Groups.You helped us answer 6,065 calls on our National HelplineYou supported 908 people get Family Carer TrainingMembers of our wonderful community enjoying Valentine’s Day, making Easter bonnets and having the craic with arts and crafts.The dierence you makeYour incredible support is helping more people than ever before access the vital services they need.*All statistics from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Impact Report 2024You’re at the heart of our communityYou helped fundraise an incredible €4.3m in 2024