The State House in Roseau is being lit in purple from 18 to 21 September as a mark of national solidarity with persons living with dementia and their families. The illumination is a joint initiative of the Dominica Dementia Foundation and the Office of the President, timed to coincide with World Alzheimer's Day.
The purple lighting, which runs from dawn to dusk over the four-day period, is intended to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and to signal that those affected are not alone. The Office of the President said the collaboration reflects a commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community and to encouraging open conversation about a condition that is often misunderstood.
World Alzheimer's Day is observed globally on 21 September each year, with organisations around the world using the occasion to campaign against the stigma surrounding dementia and to advocate for better care and research. In Dominica, the Dementia Foundation has been working to provide information, support and advocacy for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.
The foundation has noted that dementia remains a significant public health concern across the Caribbean, where ageing populations are increasing the number of people affected. It has called for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and stronger community support networks. The lighting of the State House is seen as a symbolic but important step in keeping the issue in the public eye.
Residents and visitors passing the State House during the period will see the building bathed in purple, the colour internationally associated with Alzheimer's awareness. The foundation encourages members of the public to use the occasion to learn more about dementia, to check on elderly relatives and neighbours, and to speak openly about the challenges faced by caregivers.
The Office of the President has previously supported similar awareness campaigns, and the current collaboration is expected to be followed by further activities organised by the Dementia Foundation. No public events have been announced in connection with the lighting, but the foundation has indicated that it will continue its outreach work in communities across the island.
Dementia is a syndrome, usually of a chronic or progressive nature, that affects memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause. While age is the strongest known risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Health professionals in the region have stressed the importance of early recognition and of supporting families who provide most of the care at home.
The Dominica Dementia Foundation has urged anyone concerned about memory loss or other symptoms to seek medical advice. It also invites volunteers and donors to come forward to help expand its services. The purple illumination of the State House will remain in place until 21 September.
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