A new mobile information service will be travelling to towns and villages nationwide in the coming weeks to provide support and information to people affected by dementia.

There are currently around 55,000 people living with this condition in Ireland and this number is expected to increase to over 68,000 by 2021.

Almost two in three people with dementia live at home, with most of these cared for by family members. There are an estimated 50,000 dementia carers in Ireland.

This new service is being run by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI). Trained staff and volunteers are hoping to raise awareness and offer support to people, particularly in areas which have poor services.

"Dementia services can be patchy and uncoordinated and so often families feel alone after receiving this challenging diagnosis and don't know where to turn. Almost 3,000 people have contacted our national helpline to date this year looking for information and support and we will now be able to highlight this new service, and provide new opportunities for face-to-face support in local areas," explained Samantha Taylor of the ASI.

This new mobile service has been made possible thanks to funds raised by the Peggy Mangan Foundation, which was set up by the family of Peggy Mangan (67) of Terenure in Dublin. She had Alzheimer's disease and went missing from her home in September 2013, after going for a walk with her dog, Casper.

Despite an extensive search, it was four days before her body was discovered. Her dog was found with her, having never left her side.

"We want to use this service to ensure that no-one faces dementia alone and that people are on hand to answer questions and guide those with dementia or those worried about a diagnosis along the best possible route.

"We are so incredibly happy to be able to fund the mobile outreach service. We've been able to do this because of the dedication and support that we've received from the community and their generous donations. We thank you so much in helping to raise our target amount to get the mobile outreach unit on the road," commented Louise Mangan of the Peggy Mangan Foundation.

If you would like more information on the Mobile Information Service coming to your area, please contact the ASI national helpline on 1800 341 341.