Alzheimer's disease International (ADI) urges Caribbean governments to take immediate dementia action as new estimates suggest dementia incidence in the Caribbean is predicted to rise by 155% by 2050

Along with regional colleagues, Alzheimer's disease International (ADI) is advocating for immediate action on National Dementia Plan (NDP) implementation in the Caribbean, as projections show a 155% rise in dementia cases by 2050. Despite worrying incidence rates, development in the Caribbean has been sluggish, with just 16% of Caribbean states making any headway in creating NDPs, the majority of which are underfunded. Dementia is the third largest cause of mortality in the Americas.As a result, through the #WhatsYourPlan campaign, ADI and members across the Caribbean area are banding together to push the public & their governments to take immediate action against dementia.
 
According to Paola Barbarino, CEO of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), a National Dementia Plan can assist guarantee that persons living with dementia in the Caribbean have access to the care and resources they need to live well for longer. Access to support and a care plan, including care at home and in community settings, at-home modifications, and respite for caregivers, is critical for persons living with dementia, as well as their caregivers and family.
 
Bernadette Ettienne of the Dominica Dementia Foundation emphasized the importance of the campaign and the need for more dementia awareness. She added that many times, caregivers and family members find it difficult to process or believe that some of the words uttered or behaviors acted out are not intentional due to a general lack of awareness about the disease. She went on to say that dementia and Alzheimer's affect everyone involved, including the caregiver, the individual living with it, and their family.
 
According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025, 75% of WHO Member States are expected to implement National Dementia Plans by 2025. However, progress has been much too sluggish, with just 39 of 194 WHO Member States implementing a strategy thus far.With the world's population aging, the development of new therapies and diagnostics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, NDPs are more important than ever