Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association to host workshop for caregivers

THE STVINCENT AND the Grenadines Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Association (SVGADDA) is preparing to host a caregivers training workshop on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The Association said in a release that the workshop, to take place at the School of Continuing Education, Kingstown, is open to paid caregivers, nursing home and home care staff, family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and all community members with an interest in dementia care.

“Dementia is one of the fastest growing public health challenges of our time. Globally, more than 55 million people are currently living with dementia, a number projected to nearly triple by 2050,” the Association points out.

It states that in the Caribbean, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, the ageing of the population means that the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is rising steadily. Yet awareness remains limited, and many caregivers, whether paid professionals or devoted family members, carry out this demanding work without adequate training or support.

The workshop, that will run from 8:30 to 1:00 p.m, aims to provide participants with foundational knowledge of dementia, including its types, stages, and risk factors, as well as practical guidance on the medical management of dementia and commonly used medications. Participants will also learn evidence-based strategies for managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including techniques for bathing, feeding, and daily care that preserve the dignity and well-being of persons living with these conditions. The Association also said the programme will further address caregiver well-being, stress management, and the creation of safe and supportive care environments.

“Caregivers are the backbone of dementia care in our

communities, and they deserve the knowledge, tools, and support to do this work well. This workshop is SVGADDA’s commitment to ensuring that no caregiver in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has to navigate this journey alone.”

Beyond direct care giving skills, the programme will emphasize evidence-based approaches to brain health and the prevention of dementia. Participants will also be introduced to the role of nutrition, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and the management of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes- conditions that are particularly prevalent in St Vincent and the Grenadines and are among the leading modifiable risk factors for dementia.

SVGADDA was established three years ago with a mission to support persons living with dementia and their families across St Vincent and the Grenadines through advocacy, education, and community engagement.The Association is led by Dr. Glenna S. Brewster, a gerontological nurse scientist and Family Nurse Practitioner with specialized expertise in sleep and dementia care, and an Assistant Professor at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University.

Registration for the workshop is available online, and a two-tiered registration fee applies for formal/paid caregivers, and for informal/unpaid family caregivers and community members.

Registration may be done at: https://forms.gle/CEBo-W52avsziiEL86.