The Department of Social Development will as part of a build-up to World Alzheimer’s Day conduct dialogues with Engcobo, Cofimvaba and Lady Frere communities in the Eastern Cape Province from Thursday, the 16th until Friday, the 17th of September 2021.

Alzheimer’s disease is mostly prevalent amongst Older Persons, however, its onset may start as early as thirty years. World Alzheimer’s Day, is commemorated each year on 21st September to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. Growing older comes with health associated risks, which, increase chances of getting diseases such as Alzheimer’s and related Dementia.

The growing number of affected people causes an increased demand for services to persons affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Lack of information about Alzheimer’s has often led to many people, especially, older persons being accused of witchcraft and killed by their fellow community members because of a lack of understanding of the condition.

The department has chosen the area in the Eastern Cape because of the number of older persons accused of witchcraft and killed.

This condition affects the brain, thus leading to the eventual death of nerve cells and loss of brain tissue, which is regarded as the most common cause of dementia. Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease. The condition is often called a family disease, because of the chronic stress of watching a loved one slowly deteriorating which affects every member of the family.

Source: Government of South Africa