From
November 06, 2026 08:00
until
November 07, 2026 16:00
TESTING
DEMENTIA: UNDERSTANDING, PREVENTING & CARING
Join us for a two-day conference dedicated to one of the most pressing health and care challenges of our time.
The growing number of people living with dementia is a cause for increasing concern worldwide, including in Curaçao and across the Caribbean. Dementia affects not only the person diagnosed but also has a profound impact on families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and society as a whole.
At the same time, advances in research and clinical practice are providing new insights into the different types and causes of dementia, as well as risk reduction and prevention, treatment, and care.
This conference brings together medical professionals, healthcare workers, caregivers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to share knowledge and explore how we can better respond to the challenges of dementia in our Caribbean community.
What can we do to reduce the risk of dementia? How can dementia and its symptoms be treated and managed? And how can we better support families and caregivers facing the increasing demands of caring for a loved one with dementia?
These and other important questions will be addressed during this two-day conference.
Be part of this important exchange of knowledge and experiences as we work together toward better dementia prevention, treatment, care, and support in Curaçao and the wider Caribbean.
Programme
Friday, October 30, 2026Session 1
From – To
Subject
Speaker
18:30 – 19:00
Registration session 1
19:00 – 19:05
Opening & welcome
Rob de Lannoy / Judella DaalCuraçao
19:05 – 19:30
A Region in Transition. Dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean.Epidemiology, challenges and the future of care.
Remo KockAruba
19:30 – 20:15
The Role of the Dementia Case Manager: Expert, Care-Chain Coordinator and Ambassador.The Building Blocks of the Training Programme in Sint Maarten and BES Islands
Saskia Danen-de VriesThe Netherlands
20:15 – 20:30
Coffee break
20:30 – 20:55
You’ve Got Dementia. We’ve got you:Het effect en de kracht van dagopvang voor mensen met dementie en de ondersteuning van mantelzorgers
Violet Godet-TodmanAruba
20:55 – 21:20
Dementia Case Management in the Caribbean. Lessons Learned.Opportunities for Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire
Marieke DooremalenThe Netherlands
21:20 – 22:05
New Insights into the Development of Neurodegenerative Changes.The onset and development of neurodegenerative disorders. What we currently know about the proteins that accumulate in the brain in these disorders. The main known risk and genetic factors.
Jort VijverbergThe Netherlands
Saturday, October 31, 2026Session 2
From – To
Subject
Speaker
08:30 – 09:00
Registration session 2
09:00 – 09:45
It Did Not Start with Forgetfulness.Why we so often recognize one of the most profound forms of dementia too late
Nienke SmitsAruba
09:45 – 10:10
It Takes an Island.Building a Dementia-Friendly Island Together
Violet GumbsSint Eustatius
10:10 – 10:40
Coffee break
10:40 – 11:05
Dementia in BarbadosBeyond Awareness to Action
Asha JonesBarbados
11:05 – 11:30
Empowering FamiliesEducation and support enhance the quality of life of people with dementia and their family caregivers
Chanerika HellementCuraçao
11:30 – 11:55
Recognizing the SignsHow Sint Eustatius Uses the Film ‘Ten Signs of Dementia’ to Strengthen Dementia Awareness and Early Detection
Lucienne PapaSint Eustatius
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch break
Saturday, October 31, 2026Session 3
From – To
Subject
Speaker
13:00 – 13:15
Registration session 3
13:15 – 13:40
Prospects in Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders.Prospects in the Development of Neurodegenerative Changes. The latest biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. New treatments that have now been approved for Alzheimer’s disease. The latest scientific developments in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Jort VijverbergThe Netherlands
13:40 – 14:05
Life Does Not Stop at the Diagnosis.Good Support at Home Makes a Difference for People with Dementia and Their Loved Ones
Nienke SmitsAruba
14:05 – 14:30
United Through Music: Music in Dementia Care.Where Words Fade, Music Continues to Connect
Marjon Halmeyer-Roos and Jet ThoonenCuraçao
14:30 – 14:55
CliniClowns: The Power of WonderEffects of CliniClown Encounters in Dementia Care
Jet Thoonen and Marly Bove-EvertsenCuraçao
14:55 – 15:20
From Care to Legal ProtectionThe Path to Guardianship: Collaborating with Family Caregivers, Healthcare Professionals and the Court
Remo KockAruba
15:20 – 15:45
Beyond the Diagnosis:Reimagining Dementia Care in the Caribbean
Asha JonesBarbados
