Demography

The problem of dementia is a demographic “timebomb” because of the predicted trebling in the number of sufferers over the next 25 years, according to a consultant in old age psychiatry.

Dr Caitriona Crowe told a conference in Cashel the number was expected to increase from the current 48,000 living with dementia here to 96,000 in 2031 and more than 140,000 by 2041, “unless a cure is found in the meantime”.

Researchers specialising in ageing in persons with an intellectual disability at Trinity College Dublin have just begun a new study to examine if cognitive training for adults with Down syndrome can have a protective effect for healthy ageing. The study is being conducted in the context of a growing concern by the researchers involved regarding levels of dementia in an ageing Down syndrome population in Ireland and varying standards of care, support and diagnostic pathways around the country.

A new €5 million research centre which will see industry and academia collaborate on specific health projects was officially launched in Dublin on 18 May 2015. The Applied Research for Connected Health (Arch) technology centre at University College Dublin (UCD) aims to transform how certain diseases are treated by combining technology and research across several areas and disciplines. During its initial research phase, the centre has focused the care provided to dementia sufferers in Ireland.

Researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) are studying how ageing affects driving with the aim of promoting road safety, and they are looking for more older drivers to help with the project.

Professor Kaarin Anstey, director of the Centre for Research on Ageing said there is a lot of variation in the way ageing affects driving functions and it is possible for one person in their 60 to be less safe on the road than another who is in their 70s.

South Korea has seen an increase in the number of crimes committed by older people. Figures released by the police  show that violent crime committed by Koreans aged 65 and above soared by almost 40% between 2011 and 2013, the Korea Times reports. While the older population in South Korea is known to be growing, overall crime rates among older people are rising at an even faster pace - up by 12% compared to an older population increase of 9.6% over the same period.

A new US report on livable communities for older people provides an overview of ways to help older people remain independent and engaged, and serves as a guide for activists and local governments to transform their communities for ageing in place.

The submission deadline for abstracts for DCU's Inaugural Age Friendly University Conference - Engaging Ageing (November 2 and 3 2015) has been extended to Friday June 12. Find out more at: http://www.dcu.ie/agefriendly/engaging.shtml