Day Two, 8th May 2025
(Click the small arrow beside any of the listings to expand and see the full description)
Plenary Stage
Parallel Stage
Doors will open at 9am.
Please follow the signs to the registration desk to sign in.
Light refreshments will be served and there will be time to visit our exhibitors and network before the conference formally opens.
Engaging Dementia CEO Kim Tully will welcome attendees to the 17th International Dementia Conference.
Kim joined Engaging Dementia as CEO in late 2020.
She has over 20+ years of experience in diverse roles for a renowned global organisation, and is enjoying her move into the community and voluntary sector. Kim has a Master’s Degree in International Business from the University of South Carolina, USA.
The Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care is a collaborative initiative where academia and long-term care (LTC) providers join forces to enhance the quality of life and care for older adults in LTC, as well as the quality of work for staff. This partnership encompasses academics, LTC staff, residents, and relatives working together to conduct research and apply research findings in practice.
Sil is a psychologist, with a master in neuropsychology. Her PhD trajectory, which was conducted at two different research schools of the University of Maastricht (i.e. department of General Practice and the department of Mental Health and Neuroscience), focused on multimorbidity, i.e. the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions within one person, and the adverse health effects thereof. Her love for analyzing methods (traditional statistical methods as well as more innovative approaches such as data-science techniques), is apparent throughout her academic career and therefore plays an important role in her current research.
Irma Everink started with a Bachelor of General Health Sciences at Maastricht University. She completed her bachelor’s degree in 2007 and enrolled in the master’s ‘Health Services Innovation’ this same year. After graduating in 2009 she went traveling through South-East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Shortly after her return to the Netherlands, she started a second master’s at the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance.
Frank Golden, pictured here with wife Jackie.
While working as a barrister and law lecturer, Frank wrote a novel which he published in 2023, four years into his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He is at present compiling a collection based on the derivation of words and phrases.
This panel discussion will bring together experts, family carers, and individuals living with dementia to explore the key challenges and opportunities in caregiving today. Facilitated by Helen Rochford-Brennan, the conversation will feature personal insights, sector perspectives, and a curated discussion on caring in Ireland.
Dr. Helen Rochford-Brennan is a Global Dementia Ambassador from Ireland. Originally from Co. Sligo, Helen is former Chair Irish Dementia Working Group, Former Chair European Dementia Working Group and a Former Board Member of Alzheimer Europe.
Michael Wright opened the first private home care business in County Tipperary in 2008, opening Ireland’s 12th Dovida (previously known as Home Instead Ireland) office in Thurles. Having ran a highly successful franchise business for 11 years, providing services to private clients and HSE older persons and disability funded service users, Michael sold his franchise back to Dovida corporate. As Dovida’s new Director of Public Affairs, Michael developed Dovida’s public affairs strategy and successfully co-ordinated activity between private and not-for-profit home care organisations. Michael then worked as Dovida’s Director of Sales where he developed its private Live-in Care business before moving to the role as Director of Corporate Operations. With only one Dovida franchise office remaining in Ireland, Dovida no longer considers itself a franchise organisation and Michael now leads on growth across Dovida’s Irish business.
Clare Duffy is Family Carers Ireland, Policy and Public Affairs Manager. She has been the Policy and Public Affairs Manager with Family Carers Ireland since 2008 and is responsible for leading the organisation’s policy and public affairs functions. She is passionate about securing positive change for family carers and works closely with Government and policymakers to help shape and advance carer policy. She has advocated for many years for better recognition and support for family carers particularly in relation to financial support, pension rights and healthcare.
Agnes Houston MBE is a member of the Dementia Alumni, Vice Chair of the European Dementia Working Group and board member of Dementia Alliance International. She is also an Exchange Fellow at the University of Edinburgh and former chair of the Scottish Dementia Working Group. Agnes Houston was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Dementia in 2006 at the age of 57.
Pauline Lee is a registered General Nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse and BSC in Nursing management. Worked as Director of Nursing in Older Persons Services. Currently Project Manager for the implementation of the Irish National dementia Strategy (doh2014) Midlands Louth Meath CHO. Project lead for the Memory Assessment and Support Service (MASS) Longford/ Westmeath. Completed a masters in Dementia in Trinity College 2024.
Carmel’s personal experience of becoming her late Mum’s primary carer prompted her to establish Dementia Ireland Empowering Communities. Dementia Ireland advocates for the rights of those whose voice is not heard – highlighting social and rural isolation is very important Advocating for support and services for those not reached or heard and for the paid and unpaid care support. As the numbers of those receiving a diagnosis rises at an alarming rate it is vital that the spotlight is held on the less vocal.This presentation will provide an update on recent research emerging from the International CST Centre, and an overview research trends in CST in Ireland. Evidence-informed recommendations for the delivery of CST will be provided and suggestions for future research will be explored.
Dr. Michelle Kelly, Associate Professor at the National College of Ireland, is a leading expert in psychology and behaviour analysis. She earned her BA (2006) and Doctorate (2011) from Maynooth University and completed a postdoc at Trinity College’s Institute of Neuroscience and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. She co-directs the ProBrain Research Lab, leads IRC- and Alzheimer’s Society-funded projects, and supervises research across top universities. As Chair of NCI’s Psychology Ethics Subcommittee and PSI’s Division of Behaviour Analysis, she shapes policy and education while serving on editorial and accreditation boards, driving innovation in dementia care and behavioural science.
This presentation offers a twofold perspective, harmonising insights from a doctoral study on culturally adapting music-based interventions for UK Chinese elder communities with practical experiences in community engagement and support.
Xiaoxiao is a Chinese-born, classically trained musician specialising in the guzheng (Chinese zither) and piano. Since moving to the UK, the guzheng has become her primary instrument. She has performed in prestigious venues across Britain, including Westminster Concert Hall in London, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and Manchester United Football Stadium, as well as numerous community centres.
Through her studies in Music Psychology, culminating in two master’s degrees and a PhD, Xiaoxiao discovered music’s potential beyond notation and technique. She now applies this knowledge as a trustee of Chinese Wellbeing and works closely with the Evergreen Club Choir.
Recently, the group was awarded the Power of Music Fund, enabling them to further explore music’s role in enhancing wellbeing within a culturally familiar environment. Xiaoxiao’s unique blend of musical expertise and academic knowledge allows her to bridge Eastern and Western musical traditions, fostering cultural understanding and promoting wellbeing through music.
A full catered lunch will be available
Ronan Murphy is responsible for Accessibility at Iarnród Éireann and has a passion for improving the travelling experience for our most vulnerable customers. With rail travel a key independence factor for those living with dementia, Ronan has organised several workshops with Irish Dementia Working Group and staff at Iarnród Éireann.
Iarnród Éireann recently signed a contract with Vision Ireland for disability awareness for all our frontline staff with a strong focus on hidden disabilities. Ronan works closely with Kevin Quaid who is a member of the Iarnród Éireann Disability User Group who are consulted on all major projects and initiatives. Currently Ronan, using feedback gathered from a number of dementia working groups, is working with Iarnród Éireann Age Friendly Programme Manager and Age Friendly Ireland to make several Irish Rail stations age friendly. Ronan is also a member of the Dementia Trials Participation Panel.
Kevin Quaid is 61 years old and married to Helena. He was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, just over 11years ago, then later diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia also. He is the current Chair of the Irish Dementia Working Group, the Chair of the European Working Group of People With Dementia, on the board of Alzheimer Europe, he is the Co founder of Lewy Body Ireland.
Kevin was presented in 2022 with ‘The Presidential Award’ from Longford International College Ireland, for “his outstanding achievements in bringing awareness of Lewy Body Dementia not just in Ireland but globally too” and in November 2023 Kevin was awarded an Horary Doctorate of Philosophy by the Rushford College and the Longford international College.
Edel trained at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, as a General Nurse, and her career took her across vast areas of Irish healthcare, including acute care, disability, complex behaviour, addiction, young chronic sick and brain injury. In 2004, Edel paved her way into older persons HSE services, where she worked as a clinical nurse specialist before commencing her Advanced Practice Journey (2017).
Edel progressed her role in developing the ANP Féileacán Bán Nursing Service, officially opened by Minister Butler in December 2022. This nursing service model provides care and support from diagnosis and throughout the dementia journey, bringing care back to community settings. Edel’s passion encompasses person-centred, rights-based care inclusive of family to all older adults living with dementia. Her interests lie in research, particularly the 3 D’s, Non-Cognitive Symptoms, interdisciplinary workings and care pathway innovation.
Join us for an engaging discussion on the role of Dementia Cafés in supporting people living with dementia and their families. This panel brings together diverse perspectives, featuring John, an experienced café facilitator; Noreen, who is in the process of setting up a new café; and Jackie, a family carer who has attended both in-person and online cafés with her husband, Frank.
Dementia Cafés provide a welcoming, monthly gathering for anyone affected by dementia, including individuals living with the condition, their families, healthcare professionals, and those interested in fostering dementia-inclusive communities. Run by local voluntary steering committees, these cafés are always free of charge, with over 60 currently operating across Ireland. Engaging Dementia is proud to support the Irish Dementia Café Network.
This panel will explore the challenges and rewards of running a Dementia Café, offering valuable insights from both organisers and attendees. Whether you are considering starting a café or simply want to learn more about their impact, this session will provide inspiration and practical advice.
Noreen Keane worked for many years as a SLT in the HSE. On early retirement she became a Sonas Tutor and completed a Person- centered Dementia Care course to enhance her skills. She is currently part of the steering committee which has recently set up (Oct ‘24) the Cosy Café in Kilbeggan.
John Kelly, is a Coordinator of the Meath Alzheimer Café.
He is a Mining Engineer by profession, having studied at universities in Canada and the USA in the late seventies. He worked as an engineer in mines in Canada, Northern Ireland and Scotland before coming to Tara Mines in Navan in 1991. In 1999 he became Human Resources Manager in Tara Mines, and retired from there in 2013.
In February 2015 he took a training course on setting up an Alzheimer Café, organised by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. He was appointed as chairman of a steering committee which established the Meath Alzheimer Café later in 2015.
Jackie and Frank have been married for 56 years. Prior to her retirement from Enterprise Ireland, she worked on collaborative research and development programmes involving Irish SMEs and academics and their EU counterparts.
Fiona will present the research findings on Brain Health awareness and understanding amongst the general public.
Fiona Foley is a Senior Project Manager at the HSE’s National Dementia Office with responsibility for “Dementia: Understand Together” and “Brain Health”. In the past Fiona has worked with a number of advocacy and health organisations here in Ireland, such as the Alzheimer Society where she was seconded to the Health Service Executive to develop the social movement framework for Dementia Inclusive Communities. Fiona previously established Siel Bleu Ireland – a social enterprise that encourages physical exercise for older adults and those with chronic diseases. She also worked with Volvo Cars in Germany as a business and competence development manager.
This panel discussion will touch on some of the differences in Dementia care around the world. We will be joined by physicians from countries such as Ghana, Spain, New Zealand, UK, Mexico, and Ireland.
This presentation will cover the journey of Bantry Town becoming a Dementia Friendly Community from a tender seed to where we stand today. As the majority of people living with dementia (63%) live in the community, using many of the amenities and businesses, Bantry’s Aged Friendly committee decided to support independence and agency in people’s lives becoming an inclusive place to live.
Teresa Bohane, ANP Dementia in Bantry General Hospital, Co Cork. A member of Bantry’s Dementia Inclusive Community subcommittee and Bantry’s Memory Café Committee.
Sarah Cairns has been working with people with dementia for twenty-five years and has been training Health Care Professionals for 15 years. She holds a masters in Dementia Studies, a diploma Person-Centred Dementia Care from Bradford University and, since 2007, has worked nationally as a Dementia & Communication Educator and Training Consultant.
She worked with Engaging Dementia for over 10 years. For the past ten years she has sat on the steering committee of the Arts for Health Partnership Programme in West Cork, for which she also acts as Dementia Advisor. She is involved in the Bantry Memory Cafe and the Bantry Dementia Inclusive Town Initiative. Sarah is particularly interested in finding ways to support PWD to achieve agency and empowerment navigating living in their community.
The presentation will show why Group CST is a promising, feasible non-pharmacological intervention for adults with ID attending day services.
Pamela Dunne manages the Memory Service in Avista and works at the National Intellectual Disability Memory Service in TUH. As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner specialising in dementia in intellectual disability, she provides comprehensive dementia screening, diagnosis and follow-up care, while also training staff across Avista.
Eugene’s talk will summarise the evidence to date that shows how specific nutrients of the macula can be enriched to improve macular pigment. These dietary nutrients include the macular carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Noteworthy, the concentrations of these carotenoids in the macula correlate to their concentration in the brain.
Eugene studied Business Studies in Exeter University before working in Australia. In 1992, he commenced work with West Midland Optical Ireland Ltd (WM). The largest independently owned Optical supplier in Ireland. Eugene developed new markets for WM in the UK, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. Having moved back to Ireland in 2000, and together with Declan Counihan took over West Midland Optical and formed WMO Healthcare in the following years.
In 2008 Eugene was introduced to Prof John Nolan from The Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI) at which time he learned of the amazing research into AMD that was being undertaken in Waterford Institute of Technology by Prof Nolan. Eugene has followed Prof Nolan’s work very closely over the years and was responsible for launching numerous products, the formulations of which were invented by NRCI, such as MacuPrime and ReMind, for the prevention of AMD and Alzheimer’s Disease with amazing success here in Ireland.
Social frailty occurs when people are at risk of losing the social resources needed to feel supported. In Ireland, over 4,300 individuals aged under 65 live with young-onset dementia (YOD). YOD can interrupt employment and family roles, presenting unique challenges. This may lead to social isolation and subsequently to social frailty, affecting social health. Currently social health research mostly focuses on older adults with dementia, and subsequently overlooks the unique social challenges experienced by people with YOD. The aim of this study was to identify the rates of and contributing factors to social frailty and social isolation in people living in the community with YOD.
Ziyue Wang is a third-year PhD student in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at University of Galway. Her research focuses on young-onset dementia and social health. With Dr. Aisling Flynn, Dr. Andrew Hunter & Dr. Duygu Sezgin
The presentation will show the positive impact ofa Lawn Bowls programme for people living with Dementia living at home and their carers supported by volunteers and dementia health care professionals.
As the Fundraising Manager at Saint Joseph’s Shankill since 2015, Siobhan has enjoyed making a difference to the lives of people living with dementia and their families. Being a part of the management team that has led the cultural and environmental change in Saint Josephs has been challenging and exciting. She brought a wealth of experience in many exciting and varied roles throughout her career to her role now. Connecting with people (be they people living with dementia, their loved ones, the staff team, our volunteers or our loyal and devoted donors and supporters) is the most important part of what she does every day. Since working with Saint Joseph’s she has completed a dementia design course and spoken at and national and international conferences about dementia care and community engagement and volunteering.
End-of-life pain management for people living with dementia is often challenging for healthcare professionals working in nursing homes, as recognizing pain in people who are often nonverbal can be difficult. In Ireland, healthcare assistants working in nursing homes do not have a formal role in end-of-life pain management. However, they are potentially in a unique position to contribute to this, owing to the time they spend with the person with dementia and the intimate knowledge they can have of them. Furthermore, healthcare assistants are overlooked in research on end-of-life pain management for people with dementia, whereby most prior research centers upon the perspectives of nurses and physicians. This research addresses the gap and explores healthcare assistants’ perspectives only.
Brenda is the daughter of parents who both had dementia. Her mother’s death from COVID in 2021 was a turning point for her as she tried to make sense of her death and her dementia, which she had spent over 15 years of her life living with. Brenda signed up for a short course on neurological disorders in UCC in March 2021 and from then went on to complete her Masters in Dementia in October 2024. She works part-time as a nurse in a long-term care home. Her passion is to see improvements in pain management for people living in the advanced stage of dementia.
A full catered lunch will be available
Recognising the diverse experience of people with dementia this Nurse-led service offers a dynamic, person-centred approach that is responsive to the individual needs of the person from the point of baseline dementia screening to end-of life. Pamela will show how this integrated model of dementia care is fundamental to achieving quality outcomes for people living with dementia.
Pamela Dunne ANP, RNID, MSc, works in the Memory Clinic in Avista and the national intellectual disability memory service. She has over 35 years’ experience working with children and adults with an intellectual disability (ID) in a variety of roles ranging from teaching, social and recreational to nursing. In her current role as advanced nurse practitioner in dementia in intellectual disability, she works closely with people with an ID, their families, the multi-disciplinary team. Her research interests particularly focus on psychosocial interventions and dementia.
Danielle has developed a leaflet to assist children and young adults who have family members living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. The background for the leaflet came from Danielle’s experience of a relative living with Dementia and her own difficulty in understanding the disease and how to connect with them. The aim of the leaflet is to be a resource for parents to have to teach their children in a simple way what dementia is and how they can connect with their relatives. There is a gap in resources in dementia for children with most information targeted toward the individual or caregivers.
Danielle is a 15 year old student, who recently took part in the BT Young Scientist Exhibition with my project designed to develop a resource to assist children and young adults better understand how to engage with an adult family member with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. She won a display award for her efforts.
The presentation will show how the introduction of snack boxes enhanced staff awareness of the nutritional needs and mealtime challenges faced by people with dementia or and delirium in acute care.
Karen Heduvan is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner specialising in the care of older persons, dedicated to improving patient outcomes with compassion and expertise. Originally studying in Scotland, she earned her master’s degree from the University of Galway in 2022. Her life revolves around care—both in her profession and personal life—always striving to make a difference.
Sophie Doyle is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in dementia care with a deep commitment to enhancing patient outcomes. She completed her adult and mental health nursing qualifications in London in 2001 and 2013, followed by a BSc in Nursing Management at RCSI in 2009. With extensive experience in dementia care, she is dedicated to improving the lives of patients and their families. Her combined dedication to healthcare and advocacy reflects her compassionate and service-driven approach to life.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 which came into force in April 2023 is designed to put each person firmly in control of their own lives, and their future. Muriel will present on how the new act represents an attempt to bridge the gap, to support the person to make their own decisions and shape their own future, as well as possible, for as long as possible.
Muriel is a public interest law solicitor. She has a special interest in protecting the rights of vulnerable people to make their own decisions and obtain the services they need to live a full and rewarding life. She has worked extensively with individuals and families with special needs to promote their interests and secure their rights and entitlements vis-à-vis service providers, including Government Departments. Muriel brings her experience of dementia to her practice; she engages with people with dementia, their families and health professionals to navigate the new Assisted Decision-Making Act, its systems, Courts, Reports, the Decision Support Service, etc.
Findings on the implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the GREAT-CR intervention in individuals with early-stage dementia in Ireland.
Eram Shaikh is an Assistant Psychologist for ChangeAble Behaviour Solutions. She has completed her MA in Clinical Psychology and is currently starting her degree of MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Trinity College Dublin. She has been involved in various settings such as counseling platforms, hospitals, training teens and adults and working and teaching children with special needs. Seeking fulfillment from working in the care sector and making meaningful changes in people’s lives has always driven her to give her best. With Dr. Michelle Kelly & Dr. Garret McDermott
Florence’s presentation gives a brief outline of human rights under the UNCRPD and ECHR. Florence will address primacy of presumption of capacity for consent and what to do if a person is non capacitious and will outline the required actions to ensure the will and preference of the person
Florence Horsman Hogan: RSCN/RGN, MSc Healthcare Ethics and Law. Fellow of the RCSI. Works in Care of the Older Person for 14 years. She has implemented many quality improvement initiatives in her own organization to enhance human rights and promote primacy of consent for residents. She regularly presents on this at conference level. Local trainer in Human Rights and Restrictive Practices for the past 10. Training nationally on a personal basis for the past two years in Older Person and Disability Services.
