The Territory has joined the world in promoting World Alzheimer's Month in an effort to raise awareness and challenge stigma associated with the disease.  

World Alzheimer’s month is being observed in September under the theme “Remember Me.” The newly established Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association will be coordinating this event and has launched a campaign entitled “We Will Remember You.” 

Director, Ms. Edna Williams said, “We will be asking companies to join the movement by allowing a photograph of their employees to be taken holding a remembrance candle. This photo, along with their company name, will then be posted on the Association’s social media page.”

“We are encouraging the community to learn to spot the signs of dementia, but also not to forget about loved ones who are living with dementia, or those who may have passed away,” she said.

The month’s activities will culminate with a Candlelight Vigil that will be held on Wednesday, September, 21 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park beginning at 5:00 p.m., and the community is invited to come out and support the event.

Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. The stigmatisation and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a problem.

“Therefore it is imperative that we as a community learn as much as we can about the disease and what we can do to avoid it or manage it,” Ms. Williams concluded.

Persons are encouraged to join the campaign.  Visit Facebook.com/vialzaware or contact the Alzhiemer’s Association by email bvialzaware@gmail.com for more information on how you can get involved. Together everyone can make a difference.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development wishes to thank the Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association for this important initiative and is encouraging the public to support the Association’s efforts.

World Alzheimer’s Month is coordinated by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), an international federation of 85 Alzheimer associations throughout the world. The purpose is to build and strengthen the global network of Alzheimer associations, so they are better able to meet the needs of people with dementia and their families.