Terenure beauty expert speaks of impact of dementia on family

THE Southside’s resident beauty expert and entrepreneur Pamela Laird, has spoken of the personal impact dementia has had on her family following her own father’s diagnosis.

As a new ambassador for Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the Terenure business woman has issued a rallying call for the public to make every step count for the first Alzheimer’s Memory Walk.

Taking place nationwide on Sunday, September 20 to mark World Alzheimer’s Month 2020, the event is a family-friendly series of walks suitable for all ages and abilities.

The ASI is hoping that 6,000 walkers across Ireland will help raise €100,000 for vital services to support people with dementia and their family carers  through the Covid-19 public health emergency and the aftermath of the lockdown.

One of those walkers will be Pamela, who said she is delighted to back the campaign.

The former Dragons Den and the BBC’s Apprentice contestant also shared her family connection with dementia as her father, Sylvester, was diagnosed with the condition in 2016.

The Dublin-based entrepreneur said that  while the family started noticing changes with her father as far back as 2010, the dementia diagnosis was still very challenging for them all to deal with – especially when the Covid-19 lockdown hit, forcing the closure of vital face-to-face services.

“Alzheimer’s Memory Walk is an excellent way to bring families and communities together to raise vital money and awareness during World Alz Month,” she said.

“The Alzheimer Society of Ireland does excellent work throughout the country and my family have used their supports to help my dad with his journey with dementia. They need to keep fundraising to keep their services running.

“Through my father’s diagnosis of dementia I am all too aware of what so many families go through in Ireland – the confusion, the sadness and the isolation. It’s at a time like this where we need to remember those suffering alone and get them the support that they desperately need.

“During Alzheimer’s Month 2020, I really want to put a spotlight on dementia as it desperately needs our attention. I’m really looking forward to taking part in Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20. I would encourage everyone to do the same, it’s so simple. Go to www.memorywalk.ie for details.”

Alzheimer’s Memory Walk is guaranteed to be a feel-good and uplifting occasion and people are being encouraged to plan their own socially-distanced walk solo, with their household or within their community. So, whether that’s 5km or 10km or whatever distance people like – It’s Your Walk, Your Way. There are family-friendly prices €5 for kids and €18 for adults.

Jacinta Dixon, a member of the Irish Dementia Working Group (IDWG) who lives in Clondalkin, was diagnosed with dementia in 2016 and is really looking forward to getting back into her community after the Covid-19 lockdown and taking part in Alzheimer’s Memory Walk.

“Since I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago I have kept as active as possible under the circumstances, continued to live well and be part of my community,” Jacinta said.

“But the past few months have been very challenging with cocooning and social distancing. At times it’s been frightening. Now I feel I am starting to get back out there – going shopping and taking my regular walks.

“That’s why I am so delighted to take part in Alzheimer’s Memory Walk – it will give me a purpose and a reason to get back out into my community again and I am really looking forward to doing a walk with my family on Sunday, September 20 to mark World Alzheimer’s Month.

“The theme of World Alzheimer’s Month is Let’s Talk About Dementia and I think Alzheimer’s Memory Walk gives everyone that opportunity – to get out there, go for a walk with your family, raise awareness for dementia and vital funds for those who need it the most.”