President Kangaloo Calls Change In Attitude Towards Alzheimer’s And Dementia

President Christine Kangaloo is encouraging members of the national community to use the opportunity of World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 to gain greater understanding and awareness about the disease. September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day. This year's theme is "Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer's.' In her message to the nation, President Christine Kangaloo, who is also the patron of the Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago, says a lack of awareness about dementia, compounded by stigma and misinformation, can prevent people from seeking a diagnosis. According to Alzheimer's Disease International, 75% of people living with dementia are doing so undiagnosed. The President says it is therefore critical, now more than ever before, that public attitudes and perspectives on dementia begin to change. President Kangaloo says it is important for people to know that while there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, there are treatments available that can slow the progression of the condition. She says people can delay and even prevent its onset through a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.