Cavan librarians reveal their top 25 ‘must read’ Dementia books
A collection of Top 25 Dementia Books, as compiled by Ireland’s librarians, has been revealed. The development of the specially curated selection offers a range of perspectives on life with the disease and follows on a need identified by people with dementia and their loved ones for greater information and support. It has been created in partnership with colleagues from the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre (DSIDC).
Through an initiative of the Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme, and supported by the Dementia: Understand Together campaign, led by the HSE, the books are now available in libraries across Cavan including Arva, Bailieboro, Ballyconnell, Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet, Cavan Town, Cootehill, Virginia and Kingscourt.
The collection features an eclectic mix of titles on the subject of dementia, from slowing the onset of the disease to ways to improve our brain health, from first-hand accounts of people living with dementia to ways to improve life through nutrition, music, the arts, and more.
There is an estimated 1,058 people living with dementia in Cavan and this number is expected to more than double by 2045. There are many forms of dementia, with the most common being Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, mixed Alzheimer’s disease/vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease.
The introduction of the collection has been supported by the delivery of dementia awareness training. The training, delivered by the DSIDC, provided information on the different types of dementia and their symptoms. It also gave information and advice on creating a supportive environment and how best to assist and communicate with the person with dementia when visiting the library.
On behalf of public libraries, Colette Byrne, chair of the Libraries Development Committee of the Local Government Management Agency, said: “We are delighted to announce details of this list of Top 25 Dementia Books which we hope readers will find both useful and engaging."
Information is Power
For Fiona Foley, National Co-ordinator, Dementia: Understand Together in the Communities, libraries offer a key resource in supporting people with dementia to live full and active lives:
“This new initiative by Ireland’s libraries is so fantastic in extending a warm welcome to people with dementia to their local library as part of an inclusive community, and in providing training to staff to make the service as supportive and accessible as possible.
“Finding out as much as possible about dementia, the supports available, the importance of staying socially active and keeping your brain exercised, can all help your health, well-being, and quality of life. The development of this Top 25 Dementia Book listing offers people who want to find out more about dementia a treasure trove of insights and suggestions.”
If you or a loved one is worried about symptoms of dementia, you can speak to a dementia adviser at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland on Freephone 1800 341 341.
For details of the Top 25 Dementia Books, as well as information on supports available, log on to: