Engaging Dementia
International Dementia Conference
Ireland’s foremost Conference on Dementia.
Empowering Carers Through Training
Our evidence-based courses give healthcare professionals and family carers the tools to connect, communicate, and care with confidence.
Connecting in the Community
Join Ireland’s growing Dementia Café Network — safe, welcoming spaces for people living with dementia and their families.
Resources and Helpful Guides
Guides, News, Articles and Interviews to support those affected by Dementia.
International Dementia Conference
Our Annual Event with global experts.
Training Courses
Practical, evidence-based dementia care training.
Dementia Cafe Network
Find out more about your local Dementia Cafe.
Resources
Practical guides, videos, and playlists to support dementia care.
About Us
Improving communication, connection, and care for over 35 years.
Founded in 1990 by Sister Mary Threadgold, Engaging Dementia has grown from a single training programme into a leading Irish charity providing accredited evidence-based dementia training and courses, resources, and community initiatives for people living with dementia and their carers as well as hosting Ireland’s foremost Conference on Dementia annually. Our mission is simple but powerful — to improve communication, foster connection, and promote dignity in every interaction.
Our Expertise
What We Do
At Engaging Dementia, we are dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia and those who care for them through training, our network of Dementia Cafes and through our International Dementia Conference
Years serving
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Professional Carergivers
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Healthcare Professionals
Advance your skills with accredited evidence-based dementia training and courses, and connect at our Annual International Dementia Conference.
Family Carers
Enhance your caregiving skills and confidence through one of our specialised dementia training courses and stay connected through our Dementia Cafe Network.
People Living with Dementia
Find joy, dignity, and connection at one of our Dementia Cafes.
Researchers
Collaborate through our conference to shape better care and contribute to dementia research.
Creating Meaningful Activities on a Budget
Low-cost, high-impact ideas for engaging people with dementia.
Engaging People Living with Dementia in Conversation
Techniques to foster connection through everyday communication.
Cognitive (Memory) Rehabilitation
Practical strategies to support memory and independence in daily life.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Workshop
Interactive training in evidence-based group therapy for cognition and wellbeing.
Highlighted Courses
Evidence-based dementia training.
Discover our most popular evidence-based trainings, including the Sonas Programme, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, and specialist workshops.
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Events
Book your place at our latest courses, conferences, and community events.
Conference
Past Event
National Dementia Conference 2025
Connection, Creativity & Care — Shaping the Future of Dementia Support in Ireland
Workshop
Past Event
Creating a Dementia-Friendly Garden
In this engaging workshop, participants will explore how to create a beautiful, small-scale dementia-friendly garden
Conference
Past Event
Conference 2024
Connection, Creativity & Care — Shaping the Future of Dementia Support in Ireland
Support Our Work
Donate Today
Your generosity directly supports our community initiatives and dementia-inclusive projects across Ireland. Every contribution — big or small — helps us continue creating meaningful engagement and connection for those affected by dementia.
Testimonials
Reflections from our Community
Real Stories. Real Impact. See how our programmes change lives every day.
"Connection through conversation works."
I was amazed by how simple conversation techniques can open doors. People who were withdrawn are now engaging more, which has deeply enriched our service.
Siobhán Kelly, Day Centre Coordinator · January 2024
"Evidence-based and inspiring training."
The Cognitive Stimulation Therapy workshop was both informative and motivating. It gave me new strategies that I now use daily with my patients.
Dr. Aisling Murphy, Clinical Psychologist · September 2023
“Made me feel less alone.”
As a family carer, the Dementia Café has been a lifeline. Sharing experiences and learning from others has given me strength and confidence I didn’t think I had.
Patrick Byrne, Family Carer · June 2023
“Truly transformed our care approach.”
"The Sonas Programme gave our team practical tools we could use immediately. We’ve seen residents become more engaged, more responsive, and visibly happier during activities."
Mary O’Donnell, Nursing Home Manager · March 2024
Blog
Latest News & Insights
Stay updated with stories, research, and resources from the dementia care community.
How to Make Your Community Garden Dementia-Inclusive
Engaging Dementia & HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together have created a...
Kerry GAA’s new dementia-inclusive booklet
Kerry GAA have produced a dementia-inclusive booklet which was was...
Our Partners & Recognition
Our Network & Achievements
We’re proud to collaborate with leading organisations and to be recognised for our impact in dementia care.
Member of The Wheel
Winner of the Medium-sized Organisation Category
Engaging Dementia is a partner of the Dementia Understand Together Campaign, the public support, awareness and information campaign.
Associate Member of Dementia Research Network Ireland
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