A new report from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland has predicted an increase in the number of people developing dementia at a younger age.
The society has called for better financial support, more home care and specialised residential care facilities for people under 65 years of age who develop Alzheimer's Disease, which is the most common form of dementia.
It says that while the disease is commonly associated with old age, there are an estimated 3,500 younger people with Alzheimer's, some in their 30s and 40s, but there is no special provision for this group of people.
The report also calls for counselling for young people with early-onset dementia and points out that in half of these cases the patient diagnosed is either the main or joint income provider, which can result in severe financial strain for the family.
The society says there remains a culture of not informing people with dementia of their illness, partly to reduce anxiety and distress, but that this can add to the stigma.
Around 34,000 people in Ireland have dementia.
The cause of Alzheimer's Disease is still unknown and there is no cure.
