World Alzheimer's Day is celebrated on the 21st of September each year. The day was launched with the support of the World Health Organization in 1994. Alzheimer Disease International co-ordinates events and produces and distributes materials around the world. World Alzheimer's Day is a day that unites opinion leaders, people with dementia, their caregivers and family, medical professionals, researchers and the media from all around the world. Having a globally coordinated awareness day sends a strong message to governments and policy makers alerting them of the fact that dementia is a serious health issue which will have serious implications on services and health systems around the world as the world's population grows older. In addition, by focusing on a different message each year, the day can be used to educate and challenge people's misconceptions about dementia. September 21st provides an opportunity for Alzheimer associations around the world to gain recognition and credibility for the work they do, placing themselves in a stronger position to influence opinion leaders and governments.
This year’s theme is “Diagnosing Dementia : see it sooner !”
What do you know about Alzheimer and dementia? How can you decrease your chances of getting Alzheimer or dementia? How can you help someone with Alzheimer or dementia? Why is it important to get a diagnosis in an early stage ? Are our medical professionals updated to recognize the disease in order for people to receive the treatment they need? There is an urgency for all to learn about these diseases and to know how to prevent them in themselves.
What have our legislators in the Netherlands Antilles done so far? The AVBZ ordinance has been passed and we all pay a percentage of our income for the treatment of chronic diseases in our society. Are there funds allocated for support of patients with Alzheimer or dementia? How much is needed to guarantee the Alzheimer or dementia patients and their families their human right to the highest attainable level of health care and their right to live a life in dignity?
Approximately 25 (twenty five) million people worldwide already have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The number will continue to grow as the baby boomers reach the age of retirement. What are the numbers in the Netherlands Antilles?
How to minimize your chances of getting Alzheimer or dementia?
1. Stop smoking! There is nothing positive about smoking. Studies have shown that smoking not only raises your chances of developing dementia, but it also increases your chances of getting other diseases.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet staves off the onset of dementia
3. Keep mentally active. Again studies have shown this, to be a way to delay the onset of dementia.
4. Keep physically active. Research indicates that moderate exercise at least a half an hour three times a week is another way to keep dementia from affecting you.
How can we help?
Raise the awareness of the disease. Be informed and start the prevention now. Get information how to help the people with Alzheimer or dementia at home or in institutions for elderly. What is the level of health care for people with Alzheimer or dementia in the Antilles now and what is needed to improve the level of care for Alzheimer patients, dementia patients and their families. Volunteers are needed to assist the families and the institutions with Alzheimer or dementia patients. Contact elderly organizations because they know where help or assistance for Alzheimer or dementia patients and their families is needed. Give your time and/or money. There is still no cure for Alzheimer or dementia. You or someone you know could develop symptoms tomorrow. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is expensive monetarily, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.