The Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association (VIAA) is stepping up its public education campaign on dementia and financial abuse among older adults and people living with dementia.
As part of its ongoing outreach efforts, approximately 35 public officers recently participated in an interactive awareness session focused on the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia and ways to recognise and prevent financial abuse.
The session was facilitated by Dr. June Samuel, psychiatrist and medical advisor to the VIAA, and David Abednego, lawyer and legal advisor to the Association. Participants took part in practical discussions and activities aimed at improving their understanding of dementia, identifying warning signs and recognising circumstances in which vulnerable individuals could be at risk of financial exploitation.
The latest initiative marks the third awareness session conducted by the VIAA in partnership with the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI).
VIAA President Edna Williams said greater awareness is critical to protecting people living with dementia.
“Awareness is one of our strongest tools in protecting persons living with dementia,” Williams said, noting that public officers, families, caregivers and community members who understand the warning signs are better positioned to identify concerns early and take action.
The Association is urging residents to pay attention to potential indicators of financial abuse, including unexplained transactions, unusual withdrawals, missing belongings, sudden changes to wills or financial arrangements, and situations where an older person appears pressured or unable to make financial decisions freely.
The VIAA is also encouraging members of the public to familiarise themselves with the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia, saying early recognition can lead to timely medical assessment, support, planning and intervention.
The initiative forms part of the VIAA’s activities for World Alzheimer’s Month, being observed under the theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.”
The Association said the month provides an opportunity to move the conversation beyond awareness and toward greater understanding, prevention, protection, inclusion and support for people living with dementia and their families.
Another awareness session for public officers is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29.
Williams stressed that dementia affects more than the individual diagnosed, impacting families, caregivers, workplaces and communities.
The VIAA said it will continue its community outreach and educational activities throughout the month and is encouraging organisations, agencies, families, caregivers and community groups across the British Virgin Islands to partner with the Association to expand dementia awareness and education throughout the Territory.