Author: Rianna Patterson, PhD Student on the LEND research programme

The Dementia Symposium was held by Stitching Alzheimer's Curacao for their 25th anniversary at the University of Curaçao and brought together key stakeholders, advocates, and experts in dementia care.

My Presentation

I spoke about engaging young people in dementia organizations by empowering them, building their professional skills, and fostering relationships with youth groups, schools, and universities. I also highlighted some of the initiatives we’ve implemented at the Dominica Dementia Foundation to recruit young members.

Key Highlights

The symposium featured powerful addresses from the Ambassador and the Prime Minister of Curaçao, emphasizing the urgent need for greater dementia awareness and action. While Curaçao has a national dementia plan, there is currently no financial commitment to support its implementation.
One of the most moving moments came from a guest speaker whose heartfelt speech brought the entire room to tears—a testament to the compassion and dedication of those working in dementia care. We feel pain because we care.
A particularly impactful speaker was a former notary public living with dementia, who shared his lived experience. His perspective reinforced the importance of including individuals with dementia in discussions about policy and care.

Workshops and Discussions

In the doctors' workshop, key focus areas were identified based on the symposium discussions.
Teun Torbes showcased a condensed version of his documentary Human Forever. He explained that he chose a neutral cover image so audiences wouldn’t immediately associate it with dementia, increasing its reach in cinemas. His talk on changing the dementia narrative through film was thought-provoking. He also shared insights from living in a care home, highlighting aspects that, while intended to be dementia-friendly, often unintentionally isolate individuals.
In Bonaire, an innovative daycare service has set up a canteen designed as a shop, allowing people with dementia to maintain a sense of independence and autonomy. They also collaborate with United for Music Curaçao and have a structured care management system to prevent caregiver burnout through training and support.
We heard from researchers in the Netherlands, including discussions on the FINGERs Trial, which explores new methodologies and trials relevant to the Caribbean.
The importance of books and reading in dementia prevention was emphasized, alongside the role of music in care—assisting with mobility, mood, pain relief, and even bathing. Music can also help retrieve memory cues, uncovering "lost memories."

Notable Speakers and Contributions

Miss Universe Curaçao - 1st runner up, whose mother is living with dementia, spoke candidly about her journey. As an only child, she shared the unique challenges she faces but also expressed gratitude for the support of her boyfriend and friends. She also reflected on the different types of grief, particularly the sorrow of witnessing her mother’s inability to enjoy activities she once loved.
A representative from Alzheimer’s Disease International provided updates on the current prevalence of dementia and their efforts to support the cause at a global level.
Dr. Jessurun from St. Martin/St. Maarten spoke about dementia as a human rights issue and the need to engage governments from this perspective to increase political support for individuals living with dementia.

Side Conversations and Cultural Perspectives

Beyond the formal sessions, I had meaningful discussions with attendees about the role of storytelling and imagination in dementia care. For instance, in Curaçao, seeing pink flamingos could be an exciting experience for someone with dementia—asking them what they see, hear, or imagine can stimulate complex thinking.
We also discussed the impact of dementia on couples, especially when one partner progresses more rapidly than the other. Since individuals with dementia may experience things as if for the first time, caregivers should remain patient and continue bonding. Hugging is communication. Laughter is communication. Finding ways to engage socially throughout the stages of dementia is crucial.
Another key discussion was the integration of faith into end-of-life care. Spiritual health is deeply important in the Caribbean, and ensuring that individuals remain connected to their faith is essential. This highlights the need to incorporate cultural elements into European approaches to dementia care.

Conclusion

Incredible work is being done across the Caribbean—in Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Martin/St. Maarten, and beyond.
Following the symposium, I met with Alzheimer’s Curaçao to share additional insights on engaging young people. We discussed practical steps to establish connections and build
relationships with youth. Looking ahead, I hope we can collaborate on a cross-country knowledge exchange, possibly in the form of a youth camp between Curaçao and Dominica.
This symposium was an enlightening experience, providing valuable perspectives from caregivers, researchers, and individuals living with dementia. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to learn and contribute to this important conversation.