01 Apr Alzheimers’ awareness: WIT hosts talk on “Challenges in Dementia”

As part of its efforts to raise funds for the Alzheimers’ Society of Ireland, Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) is running a free, public lecture for families of people with Alzheimers’ and those would like to learn more about it

Professor Ríona Mulcahy, Consultant Physician in General and Geriatric Medicine at University Hospital Waterford is the keynote speaker and will give a talk on Challenges in Dementia.

Prof John Nolan of the new Nutrition Research Centre Ireland at WIT will introduce the CARES study which is looking at people with mild cognitive impairment (early memory problems). WIT researchers are looking at the effect of a nutritional supplement on this disease and aims to recruit 120 volunteers, 60 individuals with a mild cognitive impairment and 60 individuals with no cognitive impairment.

Prof Mulcahy first collaborated with WIT on its three-year CARDS study which looked at nutrition and Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Alzheimer’s disease is so common and affects not only the patient but also their families and loved ones. Improved diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s remains one of our biggest challenges and events that highlight patients and families’ needs are so important,” she said.

Prof Nolan highlighted the importance of public support for Alzheimer’s Tea Day:
“Alzheimer’s Disease represents one of the most challenging conditions for society, particularly that we now live in an ageing population. Research into preventative and treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease is essential. Our research at the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI) is focused on ways to try and combat Alzheimer’s Disease. Prof Mulcahy and I look forward to discussing this disease as part of the open lecture at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and informing the general public on the research efforts that we are undergoing at WIT.”

School of Business lecturer who has organised the fundraising at WIT, Fiona Whelan-Ryan will open the evening with her story about her mum and why this cause is close to her heart.