Barbados has an aging population “The number of senior citizens in our communities has therefore been steadily increasing. Senior citizens in Barbados grew by 65 per cent between 1970 and 1990 and it is anticipated that by the year 2020 this population will increase by a further 60 per cent." ..excerpt from Barbados Today....... read more,
As a result Barbados is in the forefront of the battle with Alzheimer's disease in the Caribbean.
“Statistics at the Geriatric Hospital indicate that 60 per cent of its elderly population suffers from some form of memory impairment and while not all forms of memory impairment are due to Alzheimer’s disease, this risk factor on its own is a contributor to the need for long term care.” This necessitated better planning by families for the finances and care of their relatives suffering with dementia, the removal of uncertainty and trauma associated with diagnoses and a care model as many sufferers also had other conditions like hypertension, diabetes, depression and arthritis.“Formulation of programmes designed specifically for the elderly is essential. These programmes must be structured to be sensitive not only to the needs of the elderly population but to those who deliver the care to the elderly. In addition to having quality health care and social support will allow the elderly to get the most they possibly can out of their lives and bodies,” she said, expressing thanks to those responsible for providing such care everyday. (LB) ... Excerpt from Barbados Today...... read more
Although there are no accurate statistics about the amount of persons living with the disease on the island it is estimated that there are between 3000 to 5,000 people affected.
Quote from Dr. Chertkow in the Barbados Advocate
“Barbados has about the second highest rate of older people in Barbados – a survey should be done to see how many people have Alzheimer’s and how many have other forms dementia. We can say that currently that there are thousands, four or five thousand people in Barbados, but it may be double that number with very mild memory loss.” (TL)
“Barbados has about the second highest rate of older people in Barbados – a survey should be done to see how many people have Alzheimer’s and how many have other forms dementia. We can say that currently that there are thousands, four or five thousand people in Barbados, but it may be double that number with very mild memory loss.” (TL)
In Barbados the Alzheimer's Association headed by Pamela Brereton has been seeking to educate and sensitise the population about the disease.There is also a fundraising effort to to build a respite centre for those affected by the disease.
Barbados Alzheimer's Association Inc
Room #3 Bethesda
Black Rock
St Michael
Barbados
Tel: +1 246 438 7111
Fax: +1 246 427 4256
Email: barbadosalzheimersassociation@caribsurf.com
Room #3 Bethesda
Black Rock
St Michael
Barbados
Tel: +1 246 438 7111
Fax: +1 246 427 4256
Email: barbadosalzheimersassociation@caribsurf.com
No comments:
Post a Comment