Dementia a major issue, says senior medical officer

There are an estimated 300 000 persons living in the Caribbean region who have dementia, and Barbados with its ageing population and high incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is no doubt counted in that figured.

Senior Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Arthur Phillips, spoke to this yesterday morning during a service at the St. Luke’s Anglican Church, where members of the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association joined the congregation there to commence a week of activities to mark World Alzheimer’s Day, which is September 21.

During his remarks, Dr. Phillips said that in 2010, the World Health Organisation estimated that there were 35 million people living with dementia, and that in a few years’ time, that number could double or even triple. Dr. Phillips added that there are estimates that suggest that worldwide, the level of dementia is between five and eight per cent for persons over the age of 60 years and approximately 14 per cent in individuals over the age of 90. He added that statistics from around the world indicate that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are at present a significant issue, and are projected to increase over time if appropriate action is not taken.

“Our current best estimates are that seven million new cases of dementia are diagnosed each year, approximately one case of dementia every four seconds,” he stated.

Speaking more to the incidence of the dementia and the risk factors, the Senior Medical Officer of Health stated that dementia may occur as a result of other diseases such as diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease, and he added these conditions can also worsen symptoms of dementia. Noting too that age is a risk factor, he said that Barbados with our ageing population and high incidence of NCDs, dementia is definitely a concern.

“With our ageing population projected to increase, we can expect potentially rising levels of dementia, which require an all-of-society approach – Government, civil society and private sector – needing each to play our role in addressing these challenges,” he stated.

In that vein, he said the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to promote good health and well-being for the local population and the highest level of management for those suffering from NCDs. His comments came as he gave the assurance that all is not lost, noting that many of the risk factors are “modifiable”. He said age is the biggest risk factor, but we cannot turn back the clock; and genes also contribute to the condition, but we do not have the technology available to modify our genes so as to reduce our risks. As such, he said persons must make the effort to change the aspects of their lifestyles that contribute to the risks.

“Being healthy at all ages … can help us reduce our chances of dementia. In particular, it appears that maintaining a healthy lifestyle in our 40s and 50s seems to help to lower our risks of dementia, but it is certainly never too late to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are also risk factors for dementia, as what’s good for your heart is good for your brain. Leading a healthy lifestyle and being physically active on a regular basis, can help us lower our risk of cardiovascular disease and particularly vascular dementia as well as Alzheimer’s Disease,” he said.

Given that, he said the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue its work to reduce the NCD burden, by promoting physical activity, good nutrition, and the avoidance of tobacco and alcohol abuse. He said too, it will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs and other stakeholders to provide appropriate care for the elderly. (JRT)