SMAF WITH THREE MAJOR EVENTS THIS WEEK FOR ALZHEIMERS MONTH

The second event of the Alzheimer’s Foundation for World Alzheimer’s Month was a well attended evening on thursday last week at the University of Sint Maarten. Over 30 family caregivers and persons with dementia shared their “Best Practices to Live Well With Dementia” and in caring for a loved one with dementia in the different stages of their disease. (see picture of the event), One of the key messages this evening was the need for support and understanding from all family members, from government and from society for families that have to live with the burden of diseases that cause dementia.
Meeting with Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour
The next event will be an opportunity for a delegation from board members, persons with dementia and family caregivers of loved ones living with dementia to meet with the Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs and Labour, to discuss the special health and social needs of the families in our society affected by dementia. This will take place on Wednesday September 17 at 11 am in the morning in the government administration building. As worldwide on September the 17th Alzheimer Disease International will launch its 2014 World Alzheimer’s Report with the title “Dementia and Risk reduction”, the ADI representative for the Americas and Secretary of the Sint Maarten Alzheimer Foundation, drs Raymond Jessurun, will give the Minister a presentation on the Policy Recommendations based upon the findings of this year’s report. In a separate press release we will provide the media and the public the key messages of this years report.
Health Care Providers Evening
On Thursday evening September 18th the health care providers in SInt Maarten and the general public are invited to an informative evening at the University of Sint Maarten from 7-9 pm. On this evening the main findings of the 2014 World Alzheimer’s Report on “Dementia and Risk Reduction” will be presented by ADI representative for the Americas to WHO/PAHO and SMAF Secretary Jessurun. The latest research findings about protective and modifiable risk factors for dementia in four key domains; developmental, psychological and psychosocial, lifestyle and cardiovascular conditions will be reviewed.. In invited comments some health care providers will provide their preliminary observations and remarks about the findings of the report based upon their experience with the local health situation they meet in their offices. The Key Note address on “Risk Reduction of Dementia and other NCD’s in Sint Maarten” will be delivered by Dr Josien van Wijk, the acting Department Head of Collective Preventive Services of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour. Two main issues will be addrsessed in this key note address from government’s perspective: What is the relevance of the findings of the 2014 World Alzheimer’s Report for Sint Maarten and what is being dome in Sint Maarten to reduce the risk for dementia and other non-communicable diseases.” After a question and answer session the attendees this evening will continue to discuss in a more informal social gathering. Worldwide every four seconds a new case of dementia is being diagnosed! There are more persons living with dementia Alzheimer Disease International has estimated that in 2010 there were more than 250 persons with dementia living in SInt Maarten, which amount will double by 2030 and triple by 2050 if we do not prevent more persons from developing dementia! Everyone interested to know if we can reduce the risk for dementia, and especially all health care providers in SInt Maarten have to come to the University of Sint Maarten Thursday coming, September 18, from 7-9 pm in the evening.
FAMILY FUN DAY EMILIO WILSON PARK SUNDAY COMING
On Sunday September 21 there will be a Family Fun Day in the Emilio Wilson Park from 11 am in the morning til 4 pm in the afternoon. One of the ways to reduce the risk of dementia is enjoying social activities. So the Alzheimer Foundation is inviting all families in Sint Maarten to come to the Emilio Wilson Park. The entrance is free! Their will be games, music, singing, dance, and lots of information for your health. There will be tickets available for a buffet for the price of US$ 10,= , and drinks are also available! Come and have fun with the whole family anf help reduce the risk of developing dementia.