By Admin. Updated 6:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Forty-two caregivers, healthcare professionals and community members have completed dementia care training as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Association (SVGADDA) continues its efforts to improve support for people living with dementia and their families across the country.
The Dementia Carers Training Workshop, held on Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, provided participants with practical, evidence-based techniques aimed at strengthening the quality of care for individuals living with dementia while promoting the well-being of caregivers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia is a syndrome resulting from a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain, leading to a decline in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from normal ageing. The condition can impair memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, learning capacity, language and judgement, often affecting a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, several other diseases and conditions can also lead to the syndrome.
SVGADDA said the workshop forms part of its broader mission to raise public awareness of dementia, reduce stigma, educate caregivers and advocate for improved dementia care throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The interactive training was facilitated by Dr. Glenna Brewster, Associate Professor at Emory University, gerontological nurse scientist, and Founder and Vice President of SVGADDA.
Participants received instruction on recognising the signs of dementia, communicating effectively with persons living with the condition, responding to behavioural and psychological symptoms, supporting safe daily care and maintaining their own physical and emotional well-being as caregivers.
The programme incorporated role-playing exercises, case studies, practical demonstrations, group discussions and question-and-answer sessions, allowing participants to exchange experiences and explore practical solutions to common caregiving challenges.
Dr. Brewster said many families continue to care for loved ones living with dementia without adequate knowledge or support.
“Education empowers caregivers with practical skills, builds confidence, reduces stress and ultimately improves the quality of life for both the person living with dementia and their care partner. Every caregiver deserves access to this knowledge, and SVGADDA is committed to making it available throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
President and Co-founder of SVGADDA, Sylvia Gould, said caregiver education remains one of the Association’s highest priorities.
“Every workshop strengthens our communities by equipping caregivers with practical tools, confidence and hope. Together, we are building a more dementia-friendly St. Vincent and the Grenadines where families know they are not alone.”
The Association also recognised the contributions of its volunteers, including Clifford Gould, Pearlina Joseph, Sally-Ann Marks, Ophelia Allen-Henry and Florrie Davy, who assisted with refreshments. Appreciation was also extended to St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown for providing the venue for the training.
Founded in 2023, SVGADDA has spent the past three years working to improve awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia through caregiver training, community education, advocacy and support programmes. The organisation is also a member of Alzheimer’s Disease International.
The WHO estimates that more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. As populations continue to age, health experts expect dementia to become an increasingly significant public health challenge, underscoring the importance of initiatives that equip caregivers and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate, person-centred care.
SVGADDA is encouraging individuals, businesses, faith-based organisations and community groups to support its work by becoming members, volunteering, forming partnerships or contributing to future caregiver education and dementia awareness initiatives.
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