Day One, 7th May 2025
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Plenary Stage
Parallel Stage
Doors will open at 10am.
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.
Since the Sonas Programme is 35 years old this year, we have asked Sister Mary Threadgold to say a few words to conference attendees.
Kieran O’Donnell is Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Older People and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Housing. He was appointed to these roles on 29 January 2025.
He previously served as Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works since April 2024, and as Minister of State for Local Government and Planning at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage from December 2022 to April 2024.
Minister O’Donnell is the Fine Gael TD for Limerick City Constituency. First elected in May 2007, he was re-elected in 2011 and 2020.
Dr. O’Dowd will provide an overview on emerging disease-modifying therapies in Alzheimer’s disease, including an update on the regulatory landscape and implications for the Irish healthcare system”
Dr Seán O’Dowd is a Consultant Neurologist with a special interest in cognitive disorders and has been Clinical Lead for the HSE’s National Dementia Services since October 2022. He commenced his higher specialist training in Neurology in 2009 by completing an MD on CSF biomarkers in neurodegenerative disease. He subsequently completed further subspecialty clinical training in Newcastle upon Tyne, with a focus on Lewy body diseases. In 2017 he established a specialist Cognitive Clinic in Tallaght University Hospital, now an integral part of the Regional Specialist Memory Centre, which he co-directs with gerontologist Professor Sean Kennelly. His clinic at TUH serves as a tertiary referral unit particularly for patients with atypical and young-onset neurodegenerative syndromes.
This talk will introduce the concept of brain health and how we are dovetailing brain health approaches with our increasing recognition and care of very early stage cognitive decline in Ireland. The potential for lifestyle modification to address brain health will be touched on.
Professor Iracema Leroi is Professor in Geriatric Psychiatry, holding positions at Trinity College Dublin and, and Director of the Global Brain Health Institute (www.gbhi.org) at Trinity. She also serves as a consultant geriatric psychiatrist at St. James’ Hospital, Dublin. Trained in Canada and the United States, including in the neuropsychiatry program at Johns Hopkins University, she previously held the role of Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manchester. During her tenure there, she founded and led the Greater Manchester Dementia Clinical Trials Programme.
Currently, Professor Leroi leads the HRB-CTN Dementia Trials Ireland network and oversees a portfolio of drug and non-drug clinical trials for dementia at St. James’ Hospital. Her research focus centres on the mental health aspects of Lewy body diseases, exemplified by her leadership of the 4-year HRB-funded EMERALD Lewy program. This initiative aims to enhance the diagnosis and care of individuals with Lewy body dementia. Professor Leroi was also the Chief Investigator of the EU-wide Horizon 2020 SENSE-Cog program.
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.
A full catered lunch will be available
The North Cork Dementia Alliance (formerly The Crystal Project) supports people with dementia and their families. Founded in 2013, it was awarded Genio Funding in 2015. Based in the Memory Resource Room in Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre, it involves collaboration between the HSE, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Ballyhoura Rural Services. It offers a large range of services including counselling, memory groups, fitness groups, singing groups, social clubs, dementia cafes and more. www.ncdementiaalliance.ie
Sheena Cadoo is a Senior Occupational Therapist, based in the Memory Resource Room in Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre. She has been working in a dementia post since 2010 and is lead of the North Cork Dementia Alliance. Sheena has an MSc in Dementia Care from Trinity College.
Charlie Drake used to be a fulltime company representative travelling the 26 Counties up to his retirement. He has always been a people person, self-motivated and involved in a whole lot of organizations / groups, clubs and associations. In 2018 he was diagnosed with dementia and referred to the North Cork Dementia.
Mike Hanrahan is a founding member of the band Stockton’s Wing. He has been a family carer for ten years and it is this lived experience that inspires him to support all who care and all who search for better ways to treat those who live with dementia and related brain health issues.
His creative interaction and performances with The Forget Me Nots Choir, an age and dementia friendly choir, strengthens his belief in nurturing an inclusive age friendly society. He is creating innovative ways to bring moments of joy and fulfilment to those who live with dementia. Mike wishes to explore further this connection between the arts and brain health.
Paul will outline what the Model of Care is, offer an update on progress to date on various initiatives and services and future plans.
In February 2023, Paul was appointed to the post of Programme Manager, National Dementia Services. He supported the delivery and launch of the Dementia Model of Care (MoC) in May 2023. He is currently focused on implementing the MoC through the delivery of diagnostic services, increasing public awareness, implementation of clinical guidelines and expansion of dementia education opportunities. Prior to taking up this National Post, Paul worked as an Occupational Therapist in Beaumont Hospital. Between 2006-2023 he has held senior, clinical specialist and OT Manager in charge III roles. He has a keen interest in older persons and has worked in all areas under the Care of the Older Persons umbrella at Beaumont Hospital including the acute setting, rehabilitation, day services and the Emergency Department.
The presentation will be on how IHF training supports those caring for people at end of life across all settings- home, hospital, Nursing home, and into bereavement using a person centred approach.
End of life care across the continuum, supporting personalised care wishes.
Siobhan Murphy is the director of Healthcare at Irish Hospice foundation, with responsibility for National Programmes across the healthcare settings. Siobhan is a registered general nurse, and spent her nursing career working in Palliative Care in Hospice, homecare and acute settings. She then worked in managerial and leadership roles in the HSE, in both disability and Primary Care settings.. Siobhan has always had a huge interest in Palliative and End-of -life care, and believes that every person has a role to play in end-of-life care.
Agnes Houston MBE, will first give an overview of her story, her research and the book that she has written “Dementia & Sensory Challenges: Dementia can be more than memory”. Agnes will then be joined by Facilitator Carmel Geoghegan, and other panellists including Kevin Quaid, Suzanna Dooley and others to discuss sensory challenges as well as some practical ways to address them.
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.
Suzanna will be sharing a methodology which assesses the cognitive communication abilities of individuals with dementia. This assessment in turn will inform care pathways on communication and be of benefit to interdisciplinary teams in supporting decision-making.
Dr. Suzanna Dooley is a CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with a clinical speciality in the area of dementia and communication. She completed her PhD in Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in 2022 and she has worked in a variety of clinical settings in Ireland and Australia over the past 25 years. Suzanna has worked in community care, acute care, rehabilitation and residential care, where she worked with people with swallowing and communication disorders. She is an adjunct professor in TCD and is very interested in the education and training of SLTs and all health care professionals. Her teaching, practice and research focuses on the assessment of cognitive communication disorders in dementia and the development of communication interventions for people with dementia and their supporters.
Dr. Irene Hartigan is a nurse, educator, and senior researcher at University College Cork, specializing in dementia care, therapeutic environments, and interdisciplinary training programs. She was part of the winning UCC Research Team of the Year 2024, recognized for her contributions to dementia care and her work in improving quality of life for adults with cognitive impairments. Her research bridges healthcare, education, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, developing an EU training program that integrates choice, communication, and connection to enrich therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Hartigan has led and contributed to funded research projects exceeding €10 million, focusing on evidence-based training programs, enriched rehabilitation spaces, and the role of nature and animals in therapy.
Doors will open at 10am.
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.
Presentations on the parallel stage will begin at 11:10am
The aim of this study was to generate a theory, explaining how people with dementia process or resolve issues relating to sense of self, understood primarily in terms of addressing their main concern of losing me. This research provides a multivariate theory of how people living with dementia hold on to their sense of self through navigating relationships with themselves and others and holding on to what has meaning for them. It offers valuable insights for families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and policymakers, in terms how the self can be recognised and supported in dementia.
Susan O’Reilly, FFSNMRCSI, PhD candidate, BNS, MSc Int Dis Nursing, PGDip Dementia, MSc Research, RNP, PGCert Advanced Nursing Practice. Susan O’Reilly is Assistant Director of Nursing for Dementia Quality.
She previously worked as RANP and CNS in Older Persons, Dementia Care in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. From 2015-2018 she was lead nurse for the Connolly Hospital, Genio funded project developing and implementing integrated care pathways for people living with dementia and their caregivers availing of acute services. She is currently completing her PHD (DCU), researching the perspectives of people living with dementia in relation to self and autonomy.
Kevin 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 is also a member of the Dementia Research Advisory Team as well as Dementia Trials Ireland.
He is very involved in various Research projects not just in Ireland but also across Europe as an Expert by experience and is the Author of two books about Lewy Body Dementia.
The Evaluating the Volunteer Impact in St Joseph’s (ENVISJ) study aimed to assess the impact of the Volunteer Program in St Joseph’s Shankill. This program provides additional support to residents and service users, and anecdotal evidence suggests it benefits all stakeholders.
Nicola Yau is the volunteer manager in St Joseph’s and the Principal Investigator on the project. Nicola oversaw the design and running of the project in St Joseph’s.
Eric Whelan is a trainee educational psychologist with the HSE and is completing his doctoral training in UCD. He worked as the Research Assistant on the ENVISJ study to design the study, conduct the data collection, and analyse the data.
Siobhan Grant is the fundraising manager in St Joseph’s and provided the initial energy, aim, direction and structure for the study. Siobhan has advised the running of the study throughout.
Delegates will learn how to navigate discussions on sexuality and intimacy in dementia care with confidence. Caregivers, healthcare professionals, and families will gain practical insights into existing guidelines, identify gaps, and explore strategies to create inclusive and person-centered care environments.
Dr. Hannah Christie is a Cameron Lecturer at the School of Population Health at RCSI. Her research focuses on improving equity in innovations for dementia care. Her previous positions were at Maastricht University (the Netherlands), where she was a PhD student with the MSCA ITN project INDUCT (2016-2020) and a postdoctoral researcher (2020-2024). She has a BSc and MSc in Psychology from KU Leuven (Belgium).
A full catered lunch will be available
This project focussed on the co-design of a user-friendly leaflet that provides essential suipport information, ensuring it is accessible, practical and responsive to the needs of those it serves.
Cathy McHale BA, H Dip CompSc, H Dip Health & Safety at work, HDip Gerontological Nursing, M.Sc. Advanced Practice Nursing. Cathy works as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Institute of Memory & Cognition of TUH. She has a special interest in dementia, delirium, brain health and the humanities. She has contributed to National Working Groups on dementia, delirium and frailty. Educational contributions include Gerontological & Stroke Nursing Modules, B.Sc. Nursing & CGIDP Internship Orientation, National Dementia Programme, Family Dementia Training & Diploma in Medicine for the Older Person (RCPI) and national integration group for Dementia Adviser Service.
Her current role includes cognitive assessment of patients and participation in delivering Post-Diagnostic Care. She contributes to the Research arm of the TUH Memory Service and is part of clinical trial activity there.
Dementia is a global health challenge posing significant societal and economic implications. Louise will present on the areas that The INTEREST (INnovaTions in divERsity and Equity in Social health research in DemenTia) working group examined:
1) inequities leading to unmet needs;
2) psychosocial intervention guidelines in Europe;
3) personalisability of existing technological interventions;
4) policy implications and recommendations.
Dr Louise Hopper is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Programme Chair of the BSc in Psychology and Mathematics in DCU. Louise leads research relating to health and social care policy and supports for dementia, developing a model for a National Dementia Registry, dementia and assistive technology, and dementia-related education. She coordinates a European group examining Innovations in diversity and equity in social health research in dementia (INTEREST). She is a member of the INTERDEM group and a Board member of IPPOSI (Irish Platform for Patient Organisation, Science and Industry).
Margaret will present on the Mental, physical and social benefits of community based exercise classes for people living with dementia.
Neil will present on the “Care for Yourself’ programme that is designed to equip carers of persons with dementia with the essential tools and strategies to deliver high-quality care while maintaining their own physical and mental health.
Neil is a nutritionist, a trained Dementia Prevention Coach, with certifications in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care, and MoCA Assessment. He completed a postgraduate in Healthcare Innovation at Trinity College, Dublin in 2023 where he developed ‘PREVENT – An Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative, delivered as part of adult education in several community schools, nursing homes, daycare centres and the Dementia Cafés in Cork, and ‘Care for Yourself’ – a programme designed to equip carers of persons with dementia with the essential tools and strategies to deliver high-quality care while maintaining their own physical and mental health.
Niamh will present on how dance interventions show positive changes in mood and behaviour, including reduced feelings of depression and anxiety reflecting an improved quality of life measure for both people living with dementia and their care partners.
Niamh Kelly is a final year PhD student at the Technological University of the Shannon. Niamh’s project involves developing, implementing and evaluating a Céilí dance exercise intervention for people living with dementia. She has a BSc in Sport Science and an MSc in Sports Performance Analysis from I.T. Carlow.
Qiuxia and Ray will discuss the role and practice of PPI in dementia caregiver research, showcasing how co-design with caregivers enhances relevance, accessibility, and impact.
Qiuxia Li is a PhD researcher at the University of Galway, focusing on developing an online psychosocial intervention for informal caregivers of people with dementia. In this project, she collaborates with her supervisors, Dr. Sinéad Hynes and Prof. Kieran Walsh, and a PPI group on a systematic review and intervention co-development. Before starting her PhD, Qiuxia earned a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Therapy and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Medicine. She gained clinical practice experience during her internships at hospitals, where she had direct interacted with people with dementia and their caregivers. This experience inspired her interest in dementia research.
Ray Lucey is a former caregiver to his late mother, Eileen. During his time in this role, he sought additional support and became actively involved with Family Carers Ireland (FCI). A media production professional, Ray has used his expertise to highlight carers’ issues and campaign for their rights. He remains totally committed to raising public awareness and supporting carers through advocacy and involvement in multiple research projects. Ray seeks innovative solutions to reduce carer isolation through online engagement and participation with various focus groups, in conjunction with highly focused and compassionate PhD researchers who understand carers’ needs through qualitative study.
The Cuimhne Group was established in 2023 in response to a young couple’s interest in networking and socialising in a fun supportive environment outside a clinical setting. Amy’s presentation will show that there is a place for an accessible, safe and supportive social pathway for people with dementia and their families.
Amy Murphy, Dementia Adviser with The Alzheimer Society Of Ireland. As a dementia adviser, Amy works with people of all ages who are awaiting a diagnosis or have received a diagnosis of dementia. The service is free & confidential. Dementia advisers work with both the PLwd & their families to maintain independence, wellbeing & choice.
Please note that the above timetable may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
We have 2 Exciting Workshops taking place during the Conference this year in our Interactive Room.
IMMA Azure Dementia Inclusive Art Workshop
The Azure Dementia Inclusive Art looking experience offers a guided exploration of a small selection of artworks, to support people living with Dementia and their family, friends or professional carers to engage with art and enjoy a social and fun cultural experience together.
In this workshop, Sundara O’Higgins will be doing a taster session of the Azure Dementia inclusive art programme. It is an interactive session where she uses specialised facilitation techniques to engage with the artworks in the moment, using the senses and what we see, to imagine the story of the artworks, in a relaxed conversational style.
Sundara O Higgins is an art-educator and Curator of the Horizons Art and Health programme at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. She facilitates free inclusive, interactive, slow looking art tours, trainings and workshops, that spark curiosity, creativity, and encourage meaningful discourse. Under Horizons she runs Azure - the Irish Museum of Moderns Art’s Dementia inclusive art programme, with IMMA being one of the founding members of the Azure network which created and introduced the programme to Ireland.
The Workshop will take place on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th of May and is suitable for people living with dementia. To sign up or make an enquiry, please email conference@engagingdementia.ie
Lizzie’s House of Memories
The workshop will be an interactive workshop which introduces professionals as well as people who are impacted by dementia to the ‘My House of Memories’ app as a resource to take away from the conference. During the session individuals will practice hosting a conversation around culture and memories using the power of objects to stimulate memories of the past and passions of today. The group will work together to create their own memory trees which are illustrative and representative of who they are and their own identities as a creative session to take away with them and use with a range of cultures and demographics. The session will introduce the themes of culture, diversity and the barriers as well as rewards to working with a range of cultural organisations and the approaches to dementia.
Lizzie Ward is Programme Manager for the multi-award-winning House of Memories, a flagship dementia awareness programme for National Museums Liverpool.
House of Memories is making a difference to people living with dementia, their carers, families and communities. More than 60,000 people have benefited from the programme, which continues to expand across the UK and globally in USA and South East Asia.
Lizzie has spent the last decade involved in community programmes across an extensive national and international network of cultural, arts, museum and health partnerships. Her work has been recognised for invaluable social impact and for its creativity and ability for collaborative processes.
The Workshop will take place on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th of May and is suitable for those living with Dementia. To sign up or make an enquiry, please email conference@engagingdementia.ie
