Understanding memory loss: A conversation on dementia at St Patrick's Hospital

St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS) is hosting an in-person panel discussion exploring themes related to dementia on 10 May 2024.

The panel discussion aims to open up important conversations about stigma, caring for someone with dementia and support for family and loved ones of those with dementia.

It is being held to celebrate the launch of a temporary photography exhibition, Age is a Privilege, Unless You Forget!, in our Dublin 8 campus. The exhibition is a collaboration between the artist Debbie Castro and her father Charles, and explores dementia through the eyes of a person living with it. By illustrating the development of her father’s illness and giving his experience a physical form, Debbie invites others to gain a profound insight into the loss of memory with this exhibition. It is hoped to open up a dialogue for the wider community and to raise awareness about dementia.

The panel discussion will see exhibition artist, Debbie Castro, joining a number of other speakers with varying perspectives, including Consultant Older Adult Psychiatrist here at SPMHS, Dr Declan Lyons. Speakers will discuss the effects of stigma related to dementia, dementia care, and the reality for those living with dementia, as well as the reality for family and loved ones caring for someone with dementia.

The panel discussion will take place in our Dublin 8 campus. Following the panel discussion, attendees will be invited to take a first look at the exhibition ahead of its opening on 11 May.

The exhibition is also open for drop-in visitors between 11 and 12 May in the Dean Clinic St Patrick’s.

The panel discussion and exhibition are also featured as part of the programme for the Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival which takes place from 8 to 12 May 2024.