BAA: ‘Make dementia public health priority’

The Barbados Alzheimer’s Association is calling for a national dementia plan and greater implementation of the World Health Organisation’s global action plan on the disease, amid concerns that Barbados lacks definitive data on its prevalence. Executive member Kaila Branch said more research was needed as the association observed World Alzheimer’s Month in September under the theme, The earlier you know, the more you can do. Branch said while Barbados lacked definitive prevalence figures, the global impact of dementia was significant, with Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) estimating that more than 55 million people worldwide are living with the condition. “The economic burden of dementia is stated through Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) as [US]$1.3tn every year, and it is expected that this figure will more than double by 2030. “And whilst we don’t have definitive figures of the prevalence here in Barbados because we certainly have lots of research that needs to be done at this present date, the global figures are also quite staggering, and it showcases that over 55 million people from around the world are living with dementia.” Dementia could become the third-leading cause of death globally by 2040, according to ADI projections. You Might Be Interested In Branch said the issue should be treated as a public health priority in Barbados. “We certainly advocate for the implementation of the World Health Organisation action plan with respect to public health response and obviously for a national dementia plan in the country of Barbados, because it is a public health priority.” The WHO Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia covers areas including dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, support for carers, information systems and research. The World Health Assembly, the WHO’s supreme decision-making body, agreed in 2025 to extend the plan through 2031. Branch said the association’s vision was for dementia to be prevented where possible, while ensuring people living with the condition and their carers could receive appropriate care. “We are thinking of a world where dementia can be prevented. I mean, we will speak to the risk factors that are associated with dementia, but we are envisioning a world where dementia can be prevented and where persons living with dementia and their carers can live well, receiving care with respect.” She also sought to challenge the misconception that dementia is a normal part of ageing. “Whilst age is… a non-modifiable risk factor, [the belief] that dementia is a normal part of ageing… is a myth and this is not true.” Branch said dementia could also affect younger people. “And we certainly speak copiously about this because dementia can affect persons who are under the age of 65. Dementia can affect persons who are in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, labelled as younger-onset dementia or younger-onset Alzheimer’s…” The World Health Organisation also identifies high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, smoking, harmful alcohol use, hearing and vision loss and air pollution among factors associated with dementia risk. Its updated 2026 guidelines recommend interventions to reduce or manage several of these risks, including the use of hearing aids where needed. Branch said greater awareness was also needed among young people, both because of Barbados’ ageing population and because brain health should be considered throughout life. “We want to make sure that the youth are very much educated and aware of this condition, not only in terms of taking care of others, but particularly for their own brain health.” The Barbados Alzheimer’s Association will continue its World Alzheimer’s Month activities with a church service on September 20 at Mount of Praise Wesleyan Holiness Church in Tudor Bridge. On Monday, World Alzheimer’s Day, the public is encouraged to wear purple and attend an expert panel discussion at the NUPW building in Dalkeith from 6 p.m. The association will also hold its second Pamelia Brereton Memorial Lecture on Thursday. (LG)