SVG Alzheimer’s Association to stage awareness raising activities

September holds special significance globally as World Alzheimer’s Month, with 21st September recognized as World Alzheimer’s Day. In observance of these, the SVG Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Association Inc.(SVGADDA), will be staging a memory walk and rally among a series of activities to raise awareness about the illness beginning towards the end of August, 2024.

The Association kick starts the activities with an awareness fair on Friday, August 30, 2024 at the car park adjacent to the Kingstown Post Office from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. At the fair, persons will have the opportunity to learn more about the other activities to be held, and also learn about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Persons will also be able to register for the memory walk and rally, and register to receive a dementia education session at their church or place of employment.

Purple Weekend will be held from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 22, 2024 and will incorporate World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21. SVGADDA Inc. is encouraging all members of the public to wear purple, the colour symbolizing Alzheimer’s awareness, to show their support for persons living with the disease. Information sessions will also be conducted in schools and churches over the weekend upon request. The memory walk and rally on Friday, September 27, will be held under the theme “Walking so future generations won’t have to face Alzheimer’s”. Accompanied by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band, the walk will start at the Richmond Hill Playing Field at 9:00 am, proceed through Kingstown, and conclude at Victoria Park where the rally will be held. The Association said the rally will include presentations from members of the organisation and government, as well as a cultural package. There is a registration fee of $50.00. Caregivers, persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as members of the public will carry banners and placards with messages about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias during the walk.

After the rally, the Association said participants will have the opportunity to check their blood sugar and blood pressure and complete a cognitive screening. Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities, a Mayo Clinic definition states.