The recently formed SVG Alzheimer’s Association joins the global community in observing World Alzheimer’s Day today.
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed each year on September 21, and is an international campaign to bring attention to and raise awareness on Alzheimer’s disease.
The local Alzheimer’s Association said it is seeking to create greater awareness of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as support families with relatives suffering from the condition and to ensure that the necessary policies are put in place to prevent, diagnose and treat the symptoms of the disease.
Although there are no official statistics on the number of persons in St Vincent and the Grenadines suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the SVG Alzheimer’s Association is concerned that the disease is becoming a growing public health issue in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease which is characterized by memory loss, disorientation, decline in problem solving skills and diminished physical abilities.
Although age is considered to be a high risk factor for Alzheimer’s and affects mainly persons 65 years and over, it has begun to affect a younger demographic worldwide.
It is estimated that five percent of persons over age 60 in the Caribbean is suffering from the disease.
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