Alzheimer’s disease affects 1500 to 2000 citizens |21 September 2017

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day and the Seychelles Alzheimer’s Foundation (SAF) has been handing out purple ribbons at Bois de Rose shopping complex over the past weekend to create awareness of a disease that affects many citizens in Seychelles and their families.

“Generally, Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) affects the elderly, and it is not surprising that with the ageing of the population, dementia is becoming one of the major health issues of modern societies. It is assumed that today one of eight to ten people older than 65 will suffer from dementia, which means that in Seychelles today we can estimate a number between 1000 to 2000 people are affected,” said Lise Church, chairperson of the SAF.

The association will also be hosting a fundraising gala dinner at the Savoy Hotel on Saturday September 23 to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s cause.

Dementia (Alzheimer’s) is a term used to describe the decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living. It usually means a set of symptoms including memory loss, problems with thinking, problem solving and language.

This illness strikes across the whole of society and can make the lives of both the individual and their families and carers extremely difficult.  Local businesses and charities like Friends of Seychelles, have generously supported SAF through fundraising and donating CSR contributions towards the cause.

SAF is keen to set up a dedicated space (a Memory Care Centre) which would have several functions – to offer accommodation for Alzheimer’s sufferers, a base for any support groups as well as a centre for the on-going training of care-givers. 

In order to achieve these ambitious goals, SAF is actively raising funds and has worked hard in removing the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the past year the association has worked in closer collaboration with the Ministry of Health to provide educational workshops with international experts from Global Brain Health Institute for better support for Alzheimer sufferers and their families. And resident Neorologist, Dr Aleksandar Jesic, has been invaluable in providing training workshop for medical personnel and diagnosing patients. 

SAF hopes that members of the public whose families are affected by Alzheimer’s disease will come forward and share their experiences with the foundation. Anyone wishing to get involved with the Seychelles Alzheimer’s Foundation can contact them via Facebook or register on the website www.seychellesalzheimersfoundation.org or call 2599807 for more information.