Dementia in the Caribbean: No Time to Lose
Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago (AzATT) commemorated its 17th anniversary by collaborating with Alzheimer’s Disease International, (ADI) the international federation of Alzheimer’s associations around the world, to host the 4th ADI Non Latin Caribbean Regional Conference on June 8th & 10th at the Radisson Hotel Trinidad.
The theme of the conference was “Dementia in the Caribbean: No Time to Lose”.
It is predicted that by 2050, some one million people in the Caribbean will be affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. Drs. Raymond Jessurun, the ADI Regional Representative to International Organizations, stated that Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias continue to be a serious challenge around the world, reiterating the urgent need for the associations in the Caribbean to do more for those afflicted and affected by dementia.
“Worldwide it’s estimated that every 3 seconds someone develops dementia. This conference allows associations in the Caribbean to come together and focus on the needs and solutions for the region.” The non-Latin Caribbean comprises of 32 countries and territories that make up the English, Dutch and French Caribbean. In 16 of
these countries and territories there are national Alzheimer’s Associations.
The conference began 8th June with a one day workshop for Caribbean representatives of Alzheimer Associations. Following 9th June, a presentation for families and caregivers on living with dementia, the challenges and opportunities in the Caribbean and an evening science and research session addressing new findings and new approaches. The final day
10 th June featured presentations on ‘What’s Next?’ followed by the launch of a regional organization which is to be named Alzheimer’s Associations of the Caribbean (AAC).
Ann Smith, President of AzATT, reminded that there is an estimated 156,000 persons over the age of 60 years living in Trinidad and Tobago and that as people age, they are at greater risk of developing dementia. As prevalence of dementia increases, so too will care and support costs. It is imperative that governments recognize the ramifications of an ageing population by providing better support services and developing and implementing a
national dementia plan.
The Opening Ceremony took place at the Radisson Hotel on Thursday 8 th June at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. inclusive of a Cocktail Reception.
The theme of the conference was “Dementia in the Caribbean: No Time to Lose”.
It is predicted that by 2050, some one million people in the Caribbean will be affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. Drs. Raymond Jessurun, the ADI Regional Representative to International Organizations, stated that Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias continue to be a serious challenge around the world, reiterating the urgent need for the associations in the Caribbean to do more for those afflicted and affected by dementia.
“Worldwide it’s estimated that every 3 seconds someone develops dementia. This conference allows associations in the Caribbean to come together and focus on the needs and solutions for the region.” The non-Latin Caribbean comprises of 32 countries and territories that make up the English, Dutch and French Caribbean. In 16 of
these countries and territories there are national Alzheimer’s Associations.
The conference began 8th June with a one day workshop for Caribbean representatives of Alzheimer Associations. Following 9th June, a presentation for families and caregivers on living with dementia, the challenges and opportunities in the Caribbean and an evening science and research session addressing new findings and new approaches. The final day
10 th June featured presentations on ‘What’s Next?’ followed by the launch of a regional organization which is to be named Alzheimer’s Associations of the Caribbean (AAC).
Ann Smith, President of AzATT, reminded that there is an estimated 156,000 persons over the age of 60 years living in Trinidad and Tobago and that as people age, they are at greater risk of developing dementia. As prevalence of dementia increases, so too will care and support costs. It is imperative that governments recognize the ramifications of an ageing population by providing better support services and developing and implementing a
national dementia plan.
The Opening Ceremony took place at the Radisson Hotel on Thursday 8 th June at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. inclusive of a Cocktail Reception.