September is World Alzheimer’s Month

World Alzheimer’s Month, launched in 2012, is the international campaign mounted every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 each year.

Since two out of every three people globally believe there is little or no understanding of dementia in their countries, the impact of World Alzheimer’s Month (WAM) is growing, but the stigmatisation and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global problem which requires global action.

The Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago (AzATT) joins Alzheimer’s Disease International during the 6th global observance of WAM in its effort to highlight the importance of early detection and diagnosis of dementia through use of the theme “Remember Me”.

On World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st , AzATT has planned two main events – an annual seminar at the Scarborough Library in Tobago and an outreach programme on the ground floor of the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) Arcade on Abercromby Street, between 10 am and 5 p.m, starting on Monday 18 until Thursday 21.

Details of other activities can be found on AzATT’s website alztrinbago.org.

AzATT President Ann Smith reminded persons of the signs of dementia: “Dementia is not a part of normal ageing. The ten warning signs are: memory loss that affects day-to-day activities, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation in time and space, poor or decreased judgement, problems keeping track of things, misplacing things, sudden changes in mood and behaviour, trouble with images and spatial relationships and withdrawal from work and social activities.

Smith to interested and dedicated individuals: “Last November when we were looking for members to join the Board, a number of you expressed a preference for working on a Committee rather than joining the Board. Now is the time to join us. We would like to see this enthusiasm and commitment in the following committees-Fundraising; Events and Special Projects; Education, Training and Outreach; Public Relations and Communication; and Volunteerism and Membership. A Director is expected to sit on each Committee but will not necessarily be the Chairperson of the Committee.

“We believe that you possess talent, knowledge, skills and experience which would be of great benefit to the Association and that with your involvement we can further develop the organisation.

“If you are keen to make a difference by becoming more involved in the work of the Association, either on a short-term or long-term basis, or if you wish to find out more, please contact us,” says the president.