Miss Junior BVI 2022 Angelique Lettsome in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Student Government Association, hosted an awareness chat about dementia for students in St. Thomas.
The event, which was designed to increase their knowledge about dementia, was led by founding Director of the Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association Ms. Edna Williams.
The interactive presentation took place at the UVI St. Thomas campus on Saturday 1st October. The event highlighted the different types of dementias, risks, causes, warning signs and prevention. Ms. Williams told the students that it was important to pay attention to the warning signs, stating “Even though there is no cure for dementia early detection matters.”
She also told the students, “what you know and the way you take care of yourselves physically and mentally can make a difference in reducing the risk of dementia in later life by improving your overall health.”
Ms. Williams commended Ms. Lettsome and the UVI Student Government Association for taking the initiative to host the awareness chat for the students. “This is not only an older people’s problem but a young people’s problem hence it is important to increase awareness amongst the youth.”
Miss Lettsome said that as one of her platforms as Miss Junior BVI she has chosen to shine a light on this common condition. “I have seen first-hand how this condition can affect our loved ones to the point of changing who they are and rob them of their independence and self- reliance.”
She added that dementia should not be a stigma and that it was important to raise awareness among young people. “It brought me great joy to see so many students come out and take time to learn about dementia,” she said excitedly.
Miss Lettsome said that these types of topics tend to be overlooked by the youth because they see them as irrelevant. “We are the future and we need to get involved not only by making healthy choices but by learning about dementia in order to better aid individuals within our communities that may be suffering with the condition.”
The UVI Student Government Association President Ms. Jackiema Flemming said that with the Pandemic and chronic diseases that have been plaguing the society they were happy to welcome Ms. Williams to the UVI St. Thomas campus to speak to the student body. “I believe that this topic is very important but often one that is left in the dark and I am happy she was able to bring a wealth of knowledge and information to our student body,”
President Flemming stated. She added that they were looking forward to partnering and hosting similar events for the students. The UVI Student Government Association Vice President Mr. Brandon Chambers described the event as a success. “The session was very informative and entertaining,” he said.
He added that Ms. Williams was able to capture the students’ attention during the session, “The students were engaged and asked a number of questions. They danced and did the electric slide during the session which demonstrated how music can be a therapeutic and a beneficial tool.”
In September the Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association joined the world in observing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month under the theme Join the Fight, Know Dementia[1]Together We Can Do So Much. For more information, contact the Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association via email at bvialzaware@gmail.com.