Leitrim Family Carers can register for free Alzheimer training

With an estimated 543 people living with dementia in Leitrim – and 64,000 across Ireland – the need for accessible, high-quality training has never been greater.

Now Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) is inviting those caring for or supporting a family member, friend, or neighbour living with dementia to register for its free Family Carer training courses.

These courses will be offered in the lead-up to and following National Carers Week (9 - 15 June 2025), which celebrates family carers in Ireland.  

More than 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have previously cared for someone with dementia. The ASI will offer courses in multiple locations nationwide, with additional dates to be announced in the coming months. 

The seven-week course “Insights into Dementia – Informing and Empowering Family Carers” starts on 27 May in Kildare and Louth. For those who prefer to learn from home, the “Home-Based Care: Home-Based Education” online course begins 7 July and is open nationwide. 

Led by experienced ASI tutors, the training focuses on a person-centred approach, with tutors working closely with carers to provide practical skills, including understanding dementia progression, improving communication, and accessing vital information. Participants will also benefit from emotional and peer support.  

Entrepreneur and ASI Ambassador Pamela Laird, whose father Sylvester has dementia, shared the impact of the course, which her mother Yvonne completed: 

“Dementia can be extremely isolating for families. The Family Carer Training Course gave not only practical advice but also emotional reassurance. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has been invaluable to families like mine, and I encourage others to reach out for the incredible support they offer.” 

Ann Flynn, a family carer from Co. Dublin, cares for her husband Francis (62), who was diagnosed with young-onset dementia at 59. (Dementia which occurs under the age of 65 is often referred to as young-onset dementia.) 

"When we got Francis’ diagnosis, we were devastated," Ann said. 

Ann completed the “Insights into Dementia – Informing and Empowering Family Carers” course in 2024 and said: 

"Before the course, I felt like a boat drifting in a troubled sea. But since completing it, I feel calmer, more informed, and stronger. I now have a wealth of resources to help me navigate Francis’ condition." 

She added, "The course made me feel less alone, and I would advise any family carer struggling with dementia to just do it. Keep an open mind - you will definitely learn something. I’ve learned so much, and the course has really helped me. 

Dr. Fergus Timmons, Learning & Development Quality, Growth, and Innovation Manager at The ASI, said: 

“Many family carers are quietly facing the daily challenges of supporting someone with dementia. Our courses offer practical skills and the confidence to address these challenges. National Carers Week highlights the vital work family carers do every day – and we encourage people in Leitrim, and across all counties, to contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to register their interest and take the first step toward getting the support they need.” 

Places for courses are limited, and demand is expected to be high. To register or learn more, email familycarertraining@alzheimer.ie, call 1800 341 341 or visit www.alzheimer.ie, 

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is proud to be a partner for National Carers Week 2025 which is coordinated by Care Alliance Ireland. 

About The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI)

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is Ireland's leading dementia-specific service provider. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia-specific services and supports, and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers, and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800 341 341. 

National Carers Week 

National Carers Week 2025 (9–15 June 2025) is an annual nationwide initiative coordinated by Care Alliance Ireland to recognise and support the vital work of family carers. The week aims to raise awareness of family carers in our communities, deliver a range of online and in-person events across the country, and engage with carers who may not yet be availing of existing support services. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is proud to be a partner for National Carers Week 2025. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, alongside other key organisations, works to ensure carers are recognised and supported. 

For more information, visit https://www.carersweek.ie/ 

Alzheimer National Helpline: 

For more information on our supports and services during this challenging time, please contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline. The Helpline is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, on 1800 341 341. Email at helpline@alzheimer.ie or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie 

ABOUT DEMENTIA 

● There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and the number of people with the condition will double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045. * 

● There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day, and anyone can get dementia - even people in their 30s/40s/50s.** 

● Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain. 

● Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response. 

● Most people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia, with many more providing support and care in other ways. 

● 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65. 

● The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum; 48% of this is attributable to family care; 43% is by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost. 

*Figure referenced from Alzheimer Europe (2020) Dementia in Europe Yearbook 2019 ‘Estimating the prevalence of dementia in Europe’ 

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