Social isolation and poorly resourced services are just two of the hurdles still facing Alzheimer's sufferers and their carers, according to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
In a report commissioned by the society and released to mark World Alzheimer's Day, it is claimed that there is still a "lack of information about the services available" to sufferers as wells difficulties arising from a "complex health and social care system".
The research was carried out by the The School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin.
World Alzheimer's Day 2006 commemorates 100 years since Dr Alois Alzheimer first described the condition that now bears his name.
The society says that these issues still need to be addressed by the Government and policy makers if there is to be the provision "meaningful responses to the needs of people with dementia" that will have a positive impact on their lives.
There are 38,000 Alzheimer sufferers in Ireland and 24 million worldwide.
The global count is expected to double over the next 20 years.