Tongan Alzheimer's group joins global ADI [1]
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - 15:51. Updated on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - 15:56.
Tonga is among the latest group of countries to join the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the umbrella organization for Alzheimer’s and dementia associations now in 100 countries globally.
Alzheimer’s Disease International announced their 100th member today, following the approval of applications for associations in Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, Ecuador, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname and Tonga.
CEO Paola Barbarino said that the addition of the new members is evidence of the growing global response to one of the greatest health and care challenges of the century.
‘’We are extremely proud to welcome our new members, taking our global presence to 100 associations and federations in as many countries,” she said.
“Having a member association on the ground in each country is vital to provide information, raise awareness and offer support but also to hold governments to account in tackling this crisis. Globally governments have committed to delivering the World Health Organization’s global action plan on dementia, but there is not enough progress, with only 32 countries developing dementia plans. Alzheimer and dementia associations, our members, are the key to advocating with governments and to advising and supporting health and care systems through the changes they undoubtedly need to make.”
Alzheimer and dementia associations bring people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, their carers and family members, health and social care professionals, researchers, scientists and politicians together through shared concern for people with dementia. These associations are dedicated to providing support to people with dementia and their carers through practical and emotional help such as help lines and support groups, information and advice, advocacy to governments and training for carers and professionals.
Ms Barbarino said, “With World Alzheimer’s Month fast approaching in September our 100 members aim to raise as much awareness as possible; we will continue to be a voice for those living with dementia, their families, carers and friends,”.
“We have just finished the world’s largest ever dementia survey on attitudes to dementia, we had an astonishing 70,000 respondents in 140 countries and are now analysing the results ready to share them in September as our World Alzheimer Report 2019. We will work closely with our members to ensure that they can use the data and survey findings to continue to raise awareness in their countries and to help tackle stigma.”
Dementia facts
- Every 3 Seconds someone develops dementia – but most people with dementia do not receive a diagnosis or support
- The number of people living with dementia is expected to rise to 152 million by 2050
- The global cost of dementia is expected to rise to US $2 trillion a year by 2030
- With ageing populations, deaths due to dementia have more than doubled since 2000, making it the 5th leading cause of global deaths compared to 14th in 2000.
Dementia is a collective name for progressive brain syndromes which affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. Dementia is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly. Although each person will experience dementia in their own way, eventually those affected are unable to care for themselves and need help with all aspects of daily life.
There are over 100 forms of dementia. The most well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 50-60% of all cases. Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and fronto-temporal dementia. Symptoms may include:
- loss of memory
- difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying
- difficulty in performing previously routine tasks
- personality and mood changes
There is currently no cure for most types of dementia, but treatment and support are available.
Tonga
Registered with ADI, the group called Huelo Alzheimers Tonga is located in the New City Building, Corner of Mateialona and Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa. Tel: +64 27 5635466. Email: melino [dot] maka [at] gmail [dot] com Facebook: @Huelo-Alzheimers-Tonga.