This year’s World Alzheimer’s Month saw a flurry of activity from ADI member associations across the Americas region, where they made strides in both awareness-raising activities, and supporting those who have been impacted by dementia. We’ll take a look at some of the key activities which took place across the region this month.
ADI Regional Director for the Americas, Diego Aguilar, shares his thoughts on the activity across the region during World Alzheimer’s Month:
World Alzheimer’s Month in Latin America and the Caribbean has been a true testament to the region’s commitment to raising awareness and driving meaningful action on dementia. From large-scale governmental collaborations to grassroots efforts, the diversity of activities reflects the energy, dedication, and creativity of ADI members across the region. These initiatives are making a tangible difference in how dementia is understood and supported in our communities.
Chile and Panama
The Ministries of Health for Chile and Panama joined ADI’s regional campaign, co-organized by Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), which brought national attention to dementia. This joint campaign between ADI and PAHO focused on awareness-raising efforts as well as challenging the existing stigma surrounding dementia. Individuals were encouraged to seek out their local ADI member association to support their efforts in this area.
Bolivia
Ninoska Ocampo-Barba from Asociación Alzheimer Bolivia led a masterclass on dementia in Santa Cruz this month. In an effort to engage younger audiences regarding dementia-awareness, she also announced a TikTok contest at this event. Dementia can impact people of all ages, and innovative ways to raise awareness of the condition can only strengthen the message of risk reduction, the importance of a diagnosis, and challenging stigma.
Argentina
The ADI member association in Argentina, Asociación Lucha contra el Mal de Alzheimer (ALMA), illuminated the iconic Puente de la Mujer in Buenos Aires in solidarity with World Alzheimer’s month and raising awareness for dementia.
El Salvador
In El Salvador, ADI’s member association, Asociación Familiares Alzheimer El Salvador, hosted a successful symposium on dementia. The event drew experts and advocates in the field and had a very positive in-person turnout of 200 people.
Costa Rica
The Asociación Costarricense de Alzheimer y otras Demencias Asociadas (ASCADA) held a national conference on dementia to which they invited Raul Gutierrez to speak. Mr. Gutierrez is the Scientific Committee Chair of the Federación Mexicana de Alzheimer (FEDMA).
Guatemala
In Guatemala City, volunteers from Asociación Ermita Guatemala organized cognitive impairment testing in public parks and squares. An early diagnosis of dementia is crucial to ensuring that people living with dementia can access support and possible treatments as soon as possible. Events like these can help raise awareness and greatly increase accessibility to support.
Dominican Republic & Ecuador
Asociación Dominicana Alzheimer y Similares (ADAS) from the Dominican Republic and Fundación Trascender con Amor, Servicio y Excelencia (TASE) from Ecuador held memory walks during World Alzheimer’s Month. As well, TASE Ecuador organized screenings of the film “La Fleur de l’Age” (In the Prime of Life), a film about family and growing older, as part of their awareness-raising activities.
Uruguay
ADI’s Uruguayan member, Asociación Uruguaya de Alzheimer y Similares (AUDAS) organized a workshop in Montevideo which focused on the therapeutic effects of memory and music. Increasing cognitive stimulation, such as through musical therapy, has been shown to improve cognition as we age and can help prevent cognitive deterioration.
Brazil
At the PAHO Headquarters in Brasilia, Dr. Elaine Mateus, president of Federação Brasileira das Associações de Alzheimer (Febraz), delivered an impactful speech before public health officials and authorities regarding the urgency of implementing meaningful strategies to address dementia. She addressed the stigma surrounding dementia in Brazil and the long wait times individuals with the condition may have to wait in order to receive a diagnosis, underscoring the importance of continued advocacy with regards to dementia diagnosis, care, and treatment.
Bonaire
Fundashon Alzheimer Bonaire delivered the World Alzheimer’s Report to the Commissioner of Public Healthto reinforce local governmental engagement and increasing dementia awareness. They also organized a local dementia awareness walk and screened the 2023 documentary “Human Forever” which highlights the importance of treating those living with dementia with dignity through all stages of the condition.
Honduras
Asociación Hondureña de Alzheimer hosted a scientific symposium in Tegucigalpa, featuring neurologist Marco Tulio Medina and PAHO country representative Ana Emilia Solís Ortega, who gave an overview of dementia in Honduras and Central America.
