Beauty entrepreneur Pamela Laird has described her father's vascular dementia diagnosis as "shocking".

Speaking to The Anton Savage Show today, Laird said: "As hard as it is for somebody to have dementia, the family is really affected."

Her father receieved his diagnosis eight years ago and, while he has maintained his long-term memory - still being able to recognise his family and friends - he now struggles to remember things from one day to the next.

Laird will be undertaking the Alzheimer's Memory Walk in August to mark Alzheimer's month, which hopes to raise money and awareness for the disease.

Pamela Laird with her father and Comedian Neil Delamere. Image: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

"There are a lot of fluffy charities that people really like to get behind and talk about because it's easier", said Laird. "I think it's difficult to talk about dementia."

64,000 people in Ireland are living with dementia and it is estimated that this figure will rise to over 140,000 by 2040 due to the country's aging population.

"Difficult to talk about"

Laird's mother completed the carer's course with the Irish Alzheimer's Society, the purpose of which was "to support families and understand how to be around someone with dementia". She now cares for her husband full time.

"Being able to have a small bit of support from an organisation is everything", said Laird.

She believes that the disease is often tougher on families, as the patient themselves can be "blissfully unaware" of some symptoms, such as memory loss.

Image: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

To his family's surprise, mobility issues were an early symptom for Laird's father.

"That was something we didn't know was a symptom", she said.

"You just immediately think they're going to forget your name or forget who you are, but there are a lot of other issues that people can have with dementia that aren't just memory related."

"Ageism"

Laird described the "ageism" in the healthcare sector which she believes postponed her father's diagnosis.

"When we were worried about his mobility, people were saying: 'Well, you know he's at that age.'"

Once her father had a brain scan, the prognosis became clear.

The public is invited to join Laird for the third successive Alzheimer Society of Ireland annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, sponsored by Irish Life, which is taking place nationwide on Sunday, September 18th.

Those who want to get involved can order a "walk participant pack" online at www.memorywalk.ie.

Listen back to the full interview here.

Main image shows Pamela Laird with Member of Dementia Carers Campaign Network Richard Dolan and Comedian and ASI ambassador Neil Delamere.