There has been a 20 per cent increase in calls to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland free helpline in the first few months of 2005.
The society now receives about 11 calls a day from people requesting information and needing help for themselves, relatives or friends with dementia.
"The increase in calls is due to a number of factors including increased awareness of dementia and its earlier symptoms and heightened awareness of the need for early intervention," says Maurice O'Connell, chief executive of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland .
Dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, is one of the most challenging conditions for patients and their families.
These progressive degenerative brain disorders affect 35,000 people in Ireland and studies have shown that two thirds of carers find the job completely overwhelming at times.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease and no single cause has been isolated.
Genetic factors play a role in only a minority of cases.
The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases with age from 1 per cent in those under 65 to 25 per in those over 80.
Alzheimer Lyons Tea Day on Thursday aims to highlight the contribution made by carers of those with Alzheimer's disease by encouraging the public "to give them a well-earned break" through fund-raising tea breaks.
Funds raised on Tea Day will go towards dementia-specific supports and services for people with dementia and their carers and families.
To become involved with the Alzheimer Lyons Tea Day on Thursday, contact 1 850 931 931. The Alzheimer Society helpline is 1800 341341