A new advertising campaign is to increase understanding and support for people living with dementia.

The ads - which will run across TV, radio and online - are part of a 'Dementia: Understand Together' initiative by the Department of Health.

The new adverts tell the stories of Maureen O'Hara and Paddy Butler, both from Kilkenny, who have shared their experience of living with dementia.

It comes as a new survey shows only one-in four of us are confident that we understand dementia, and nearly half of us are unsure people could stay friends with someone with dementia.

Health Minister Simon Harris said: "We want to open up conversations in homes, workplaces and communities across the country about dementia, increasing understanding and reducing the isolation that people with the condition frequently experience.

"It aims to show that people with dementia can be supported to live well, and that each of us can play our part by maintaining friendships and including people in our shared community life."

There are an estimated 55,000 people living with dementia in Ireland - and this number is expected to more than double to 113,000 by 2036.

For more information on the initiative, visit www.understandtogether.ie or freephone 1800-341-341.