The GHA has launched another Dementia Awareness month this September in collaboration with the Gibraltar Alzheimer’s & Dementia Society (GADS) and the local community. Every year Gibraltar follows the Alzheimer’s Disease International awareness campaigns, with the theme on this occasion being ‘Ask about Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s,’ which will focus on raising awareness and addressing the reluctance and fear that discourages people to ask more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. 

The month has started with the distribution of the Purple Post-box Toppers across Gibraltar produced by members of the community as well as staff from GHA, ERS and volunteers from GADS coordinated by Amanda Parsons-Yeo. This year we have an additional feature, ‘Aida’ the elephant situated at Campion Park that will be helping to get the message across. 

GADS are also hosting a flag day on Friday 5th supported by the Dementia Coordinator Karen Truman, residents from ERS and the general public. There are various support groups, awareness and training sessions throughout the month and the GHA is hosting a Dementia Awareness Conference ‘Living with Dementia: Understanding the Dementia Pathway in Gibraltar’ on September 16th. 

Furthermore, Mrs Truman and GADS Chairwoman Jeanette Ochello will be supporting the GHA Mobile Unit to answer any questions and provide support for those living with Dementia, on September 17th between 9.30am-12.30pm. 

As we get closer to World Alzheimer’s Day the GHA is also supporting the GADS awareness stalls at the Piazza on Saturday September 20th, and the GADS Memory Walk the following day, World Alzheimer’s Day. On September 22nd everyone is invited to wear purple to work, to school and share photos to raise awareness of dementia. The GHA will also have an awareness stand outside St Bernard’s Hospital and a free public ‘Understanding Dementia’ session between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the Mayor’s Parlour. To end the month GADS are hosting a charity BBQ on Tuesday September 30th. 

GHA Dementia Coordinator, Karen Truman, said: “We have a very busy month ahead of us and I believe we are making a big difference to awareness and understanding of Dementia in Gibraltar but we still have plenty of work to do. I hope this month will raise awareness locally and support those living with dementia in Gibraltar”. 

GHA Director General Kevin McGee said: “We are delighted to be closely involved with all the activities planned for Alzheimer’s Awareness month which is being held in September with a full programme of events. The daily care and support of persons with dementia underlines the GHAs absolute commitment to their well-being, a responsibility that we discharge throughout the year. Promoting awareness of the disease in the community is essential as we continue to ensure that persons have as dignified and comfortable lives as possible.” 

Minister for Health Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “Dementia Awareness month once again brings together different strands in the community to promote greater awareness of a disease which presents huge challenges across the health systems of the entire world. The Gibraltar Government is absolutely committed to delivering the best healthcare and support structures so that persons with Dementia can remain living in the community for as long as possible. We strive to improve their lives and that of their relatives, and will continue to invest in all areas related to Alzheimer’s and Dementia as part of our roll out of the National Dementia Strategy. I look forward to making an announcement in this regard later this month.”