A local charity will be hosting a series of events to mark World Alzheimer’s Day and Dementia Awareness Week 2016.

Action on Alzheimers and Dementia is organising a film screening, art show, wine-tasting fundraiser and education sessions for families and caregivers to raise public awareness of the disease. “Dementia, including alzheimer’s disease, is prevalent in our community, as it is worldwide, and the number of cases is growing every year,” AAD president Elizabeth Stewart said.

“World Alzheimer’s Day, followed by our annual week of public awareness activities and events, is a way to focus attention on this critical issue and to help raise funds for our charity so we can continue to work for positive change.”

According to the charity, alzheimer’s, which has no cure, is one of many dementia types and the most common of a group of disorders that impair mental functioning.

A progressive illness that destroys areas of the brain, it causes memory loss, confusion, and eventual loss of speech, understanding and movement.

The charity added that dementia costs to the global economy are estimated to be more than cancer and heart disease combined, yet research is underfunded.

“Worldwide, some 50-million people live with dementia — an estimated 1,000 in Bermuda alone,” it stated.

Dementia Awareness Week kicks off on Wednesday, which is designated World Alzheimer’s Day.

AAD board members, charity stakeholders and volunteers will greet commuters travelling into Hamilton on East Broadway in the morning.

Other AAD initiatives scheduled for the week include an art show sponsored by AAD and Zurich International at the Bermuda Society of Arts at City Hall.

The show, which is now open, is curated by art therapist Kendra Earls and showcases works by residents living with dementia at local care homes.

The following events are also on offer:

• Thursday: a free presentation, Dementia 101 & Emerging Trends, by AAD occupational therapist Marie Fay with Bermuda-based gerontologist David Harries will be held at BUEI at 6pm. Certificates are available for Continuing Education Credit.

• Friday: a free presentation, Mental Health, The Law and You, by Amicus Law on various legal topics including powers of attorney and healthcare directives, will be given at 6pm at BUEI.

• Sunday, September 25: a special screening at BUEI of the film Forget Me Not by leading documentary filmmaker David Sieveking. Tickets cost $10 and the screening starts at 4pm.

• Monday, September 26: a free presentation, The Importance of Engagement and Therapeutic Activities, by AAD activities programme coordinator Krista Tatem and art therapist Kendra Earls on the benefit of art and games will be held at BUEI at 6pm. Certificates are again available for Continuing Education Credit.

• Friday, September 30: Wine tasting fundraiser at the Bermuda Society of Arts, City Hall, from 6pm to 8.30pm. Tickets cost $60.

AAD was founded in 2012 to raise awareness, educate caregivers and the medical community, and provide desperately needed help to Bermuda’s growing number of dementia patients and those who look after them. The registered non-profit is dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their families, along with advocating for quality care.

• For details about the wine tasting, art show and film screening, see the PDFs under “Related Media”. For additional information, contact ADD on 538-5494 or e-mail alzbermuda@yahoo.com.

Donations can be made to the charity via its Clarien Bank account: 6000065060.