Medical students volunteer with AzATT to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease
Undergraduate medical students from the University of the West Indies volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago (AzATT) in an effort to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease among young people in Trinidad and Tobago. The project was entitled “The Memory Keepers.” The students were expected to acquire information about Alzheimer’s disease and gain first-hand experiences of interacting with persons with dementia.
First year medical student, Soumya Manduru, spearheaded the team of six students in the practicum exercise. The students all wanted to learn more about the services and programmes offered by the Association. Manduru met with San Fernando support group leader, Audrey Karim, and attended a meeting to find out how to treat persons with Alzheimer’s disease and understand what loved ones caring for persons with dementia go through both mentally and physically.
President of AzATT, Ms. Ann Smith, oversaw the group and made special arrangements to have the students conduct interactive sessions at senior citizen homes/centers, including the All Saints Church Gordon Homes, J&C Recreation Centre and a private home visit to a couple living with the dementia. During these visits, the students met with patients at various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Manduru said, “This experience was both a learning and growing experience for the group. We were surprised to learn how much the disease affects the lives of so many people in our country, both the Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. The group and I intend to uphold our decision to work with the Association to continue to be of help in any way we can.”
Director of J&C Cynthia Carrington-Murray gave her feedback after the visit. “We'd like to encourage more of that type of participation at both activities & day centres’ for longer periods.”
The students ended their practicum by planning and hosting a presentation with a representative from the Association. The presentation enabled a group of 70 young people to learn more about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Joyanne De Four-Babb, the Public Relations Office on the AzATT Board, made the presentation to third and fourth form students at St. Joseph’s Convent, St. Joseph. Dr. De Four-Babb said, “These students have had the opportunity to begin shaping their attitudes towards ageing and dementia. By 2050 it is projected there will be over 130 million persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias, 68% of whom will be in developing countries like Trinidad and Tobago. This group can begin use their knowledge to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.”
The Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago can be contacted at (868) 225-8764 / 746-5807. Find us on social media Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago or visit http://www.alztrinbago.org/.
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First year medical student, Soumya Manduru, spearheaded the team of six students in the practicum exercise. The students all wanted to learn more about the services and programmes offered by the Association. Manduru met with San Fernando support group leader, Audrey Karim, and attended a meeting to find out how to treat persons with Alzheimer’s disease and understand what loved ones caring for persons with dementia go through both mentally and physically.
President of AzATT, Ms. Ann Smith, oversaw the group and made special arrangements to have the students conduct interactive sessions at senior citizen homes/centers, including the All Saints Church Gordon Homes, J&C Recreation Centre and a private home visit to a couple living with the dementia. During these visits, the students met with patients at various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Manduru said, “This experience was both a learning and growing experience for the group. We were surprised to learn how much the disease affects the lives of so many people in our country, both the Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. The group and I intend to uphold our decision to work with the Association to continue to be of help in any way we can.”
Director of J&C Cynthia Carrington-Murray gave her feedback after the visit. “We'd like to encourage more of that type of participation at both activities & day centres’ for longer periods.”
The students ended their practicum by planning and hosting a presentation with a representative from the Association. The presentation enabled a group of 70 young people to learn more about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Joyanne De Four-Babb, the Public Relations Office on the AzATT Board, made the presentation to third and fourth form students at St. Joseph’s Convent, St. Joseph. Dr. De Four-Babb said, “These students have had the opportunity to begin shaping their attitudes towards ageing and dementia. By 2050 it is projected there will be over 130 million persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias, 68% of whom will be in developing countries like Trinidad and Tobago. This group can begin use their knowledge to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.”
The Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago can be contacted at (868) 225-8764 / 746-5807. Find us on social media Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago or visit http://www.alztrinbago.org/.
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