I too commend the amazing work of Jordan and Cian Adams on their incredible journey. Doing 33 marathons in the space of 33 days is an incredible feat. I have done one marathon in 52 years and it is more than enough for me. Raising that level of funds and awareness throughout the country is absolutely amazing, and it reminds us that in this country, people have the power and one or two individuals can change the world in a range of different ways. Sometimes we forget individuals can be the source of major change in this country. I also pay tribute to their Jordan and Cian's sister, Kennedy, for all the work she has done in organising their campaign. I offer the three siblings my deepest sympathies on the loss of their mother, Geraldine, at such a young age. Their campaign has created an enormous legacy for their mother and they have delivered the most incredible tribute that any family could deliver for their mother. I join the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, in saying there is no doubt their mother is looking down on them with enormous pride in what they have achieved. Early onset dementia is a serious blow and challenge. I urge the Government to do all it can for research and development. Like many others, I also have loved ones in my family who have suffered from dementia. It is an enormous challenge; there is no doubt about that. Dementia significantly changes many aspects of that individual. It is called the long goodbye and, over time, family members feel they are losing certain aspects of their loved one. The truth is that their essence is always there. It is important to remember that. Dementia gradually takes away memory, confidence and independence and affects the person's ability to drive, manage finances and stay connected with the world and community. It also profoundly affects spouses, sons, daughters, neighbours and friends who also have to deal with the condition. It is important to remember, however, that many people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease can be very happy in themselves. Sometimes, it is the people around the individual who suffer more from the experience. I am very lucky that in our case the individual who has Alzheimer's is not anxious or stressed and does not have those difficulties. We would be lost in our family if it was not for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the amazing work that it does. My family member attends the Alzheimer society daily and gets enormous support, love, care and treatment from the Alzheimer society, and would be lost without it, as would the family. It is a pivotal element of that person's care. Home care remains the backbone of dementia support. It allows for people to remain familiar in their surroundings. It connects them to their family and their community.

Sentiment score: 0.23