Women's ability to remember a list of words or a story could be stopping them fro being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.

Researchers from the from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York have found that although deterioration may be similar for both sexes, females generally do better in memory tests, which could result in a delay in diagnosis.

"A late diagnosis can delay access to treatments and access to the right support and care that people may need," Dr. Rosa Sancho, from Alzheimer's UK, says.

There is currently no dementia registry in Ireland, despite the disease affecting 55,000 people here. Tina Leonard of the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland said the lack of registry hinders research.

"We are calling for a societal response to ensure people with dementia can both access supports they need but also live the best lives they possible can," she added

Meanwhile, the number of people calling The ASI's national helpline for people with dementia is up 21 per cent on the same month last year.

Ahead of Budget 2017, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland called for the ring-fencing of €67 million a year toward providing home care supports for people living with dementia.

The research was published yesterday in the journal Neurology.