Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
689. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether the Government will commission research into the relationship between Down syndrome and the development of Alzheimer’s disease; and whether consideration will be given to developing a national policy paper on the supports required for people with Down syndrome as they age and for their families and carers. [68033/26]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for Older People and Housing, I am fully committed to supporting people with dementia and their families by focusing on the expansion of dementia diagnostic and community-based services in line with the Programme for Government commitments on dementia.
I also recognise the importance of understanding the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, particularly as increasing life expectancy means that more people with Down syndrome are living into older age and may experience age-related health conditions, including dementia.
A substantial body of international research has demonstrated a strong association between Down syndrome and the development of Alzheimer's disease. Ireland has also contributed significantly to this field through the work of Trinity College Dublin, including the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability and the IDS-TILDA study, which have advanced understanding of ageing, cognitive decline and dementia among people with intellectual disabilities.
The Model of Care for Dementia in Ireland, published by HSE National Dementia Services in 2023, provides a framework for timely diagnosis, coordinated care and person-centred supports for people living with dementia and their families. In line with this the National Intellectual Disability Memory Service (NIDMS), provides specialist assessment and support for people with intellectual disabilities, including people with Down syndrome who may be experiencing memory concerns or symptoms of dementia.
The NIDMS is based at Tallaght University Hospital and provides a range of services including the following:
• Support to people who are worried about memory loss problems
• Baseline screening for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities
• Diagnosis, including differential diagnosis
• Information on improving and maintaining good brain health
• Dementia treatment information including the preventative use of anti-dementia drugs
• Post diagnostic support including easy access information and training/education on living well with dementia
• A nurse-led help line
• Access to and enrolment in research studies and clinical trials.
The NIDMS supports and provides training to staff in intellectual disability services in understanding and recognising dementia. It also provides outreach support to specialist memory clinics in intellectual disability services. Awareness-raising of the importance of brain health in reducing risk and helping people live well with dementia is part of every consultation at the NIDMS.
The needs of people with Down syndrome are shared across a range of Government policies relating to disability, health, dementia, ageing and carers. The Government supports research that improves our understanding of dementia, ageing and disability. I am aware of the value of continuing research in this area and the potential contribution it can make to informing future policy and service development. Consideration of future policy development in this area will be informed by ongoing research, emerging evidence and engagement with people with disabilities, their representative organisations, families, carers, service providers and researchers.
I will continue to work with my Government colleagues, including the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, to ensure that the needs of people with Down syndrome as they age, and the needs of their families and carers, are appropriately reflected in the development of policy and services.
