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]]>Memory lapses from time to time are a fact of life as we get older.
But how do you know when your forgetfulness is a sign of the neurological disease dementia?
According to Dementia Bermuda, your memory loss is a possible symptom of dementia if it disrupts your daily life.
This can include forgetting recent events or important dates, repeatedly asking the same questions, or relying on people to handle things that you used to handle yourself.
The National Institute on Aging in the United States explains that it’s the frequency and severity of those frustrating moments which can indicate whether you’re showing signs of dementia.
Forgetting what day it is – and then remembering later – is an example of forgetfulness. Losing track of the date and time of year, on the other hand, is a possible symptom of dementia.
Other examples from the NIA include:
The brain health technology company Optoceutics advises that if you’re concerned a loved one may be showing dementia, you should monitor their cognitive abilities such as reading, speaking and verbal intellectualising. If these cognitive functions show significant decline, it could be a sign of dementia.
These are the signs that mean you should consult a health professional:
Even if we don’t have dementia, other circumstances and conditions can cause us to experience memory loss as we get older. These include depression, lack of sleep, medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants, lack of vitamins E, D, B12, illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis.
In these cases, you should visit a doctor for a complete medical examination and treat your condition, or adjust medication, as necessary. A well-balanced diet and daily supplements might help.
Optoceutics provides the following tips on managing forgetfulness:
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]]>The post CST: Supporting Bermudians with dementia appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>At the heart of this idea is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, a programme that turns simple, everyday activities into meaningful exercises for the brain.
Structured and evidence-based, CST helps participants maintain thinking skills, stay engaged and improve quality of life.
Dementia Bermuda has made CST a cornerstone of its community-based support. The charity runs weekly group sessions over 10 to 12 weeks, with up to 15 participants at a time.
Its goal “is to maintain a person’s level of cognitive function (as much as possible) and to assist them in coping with memory loss”.
“Sessions cover a range of activities to stimulate thinking, memory and social skills i.e. discussing current news stories, activities that facilitate creative expression and practical tasks required for independent living,” the organisation’s website states.
“CST provides an opportunity for participants to challenge themselves in a safe space and to connect with others experiencing memory issues.”
Each session is carefully structured to feel more like a social gathering than a medical appointment. Participants might debate a light-hearted topic, work together on a puzzle or share personal stories. Beyond the cognitive benefits, the chance to laugh, connect and form friendships often proves just as valuable.
Gold standard
Developed in the UK, CST is endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, an independent public body that provides guidance to improve health and social care. In England, it is regarded as the gold standard non-drug treatment for mild to moderate dementia. Research shows that participants often experience improvements in memory, language and overall quality of life that can match — and sometimes surpass — the benefits of dementia medication.
In Bermuda, CST meets a vital need. Dementia Bermuda, the island’s only nonprofit devoted entirely to dementia care and advocacy, provides the therapy alongside caregiver training, occupational therapy and public awareness campaigns. All these services are designed to support both individuals and families.
The organisation was founded in 2012 in response to the growing number of people living with dementia and the lack of dedicated resources to meet their needs.
Adapting CST to the Bermuda context has been an important part of its success. While the core structure of the programme is based on international models, the sessions often incorporate local touches — whether that’s recalling traditional foods, singing familiar songs or discussing events from the island’s history. These details help anchor participants in a shared cultural experience, strengthening both memory and identity.
Ripple effects of support
For many families, CST provides more than just an activity for their loved one. It can be a first step into the wider network of support that Dementia Bermuda offers. Caregivers often report that their relative seems happier or more talkative after attending, and that the ripple effects of the sessions continue at home – even in small ways like remembering the words to a song or taking part in a conversation around the dinner table.
The organisation stresses that CST is not a cure, but it can make a meaningful difference in the years a person lives with dementia. With medical treatments still limited, non-drug approaches like CST are more important than ever as dementia may change a person’s brain, but it doesn’t take away their need for connection, purpose or moments of joy.
In Bermuda, the need for such services is only expected to increase. With an ageing population, the prevalence of dementia is rising. According to Marie Fay, the charity’s clinical director, around 3,000 people currently live with dementia on the island — a number expected to double by 2030.
Families are already grappling with the emotional and financial toll of care, and many are searching for resources that will help them navigate the journey. Dementia Bermuda’s work ensures that people are not left to face these challenges alone.
Beyond CST, the charity offers educational workshops to help caregivers understand the progression of dementia and develop practical strategies for daily life. Occupational therapy assessments can identify ways to make a home safer and easier to manage. Public lectures and awareness campaigns aim to reduce the stigma still associated with memory loss and cognitive decline. The charity’s outreach is built around one principle: that those affected by dementia deserve dignity, respect, and support.
Stay engaged
The success of CST in Bermuda also speaks to the importance of community-led initiatives. By offering the programme locally, Dementia Bermuda has made it accessible to those who might otherwise have no opportunity to participate.
For those interested in enrolling, CST runs in cycles throughout the year, with up to 15 participants in each group. The programme is designed for people experiencing a decline in memory or thinking skills, or those who have received a diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia.
Participants should be able to attend independently, commit to the regular two-hour group sessions, and be willing to challenge themselves and try new activities. Families are encouraged to contact Dementia Bermuda directly to learn more and see if CST might be a good fit for their loved one.
Ultimately, CST represents a simple but powerful idea: that even in the face of memory loss, people can continue to learn, connect, and enjoy life. Laughter, conversation and shared activities may not cure dementia, but they can give people a sense of connection and the opportunity to stay engaged in daily life.
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]]>With three out of four people uninsured or underinsured, and only limited dementia-specific services available, families are too often left to cope alone until a crisis forces them to seek help.
It’s a sobering reality that underscores the urgent need for accessible support according to Marie Fay, clinical director of Dementia Bermuda.
Adding to the challenge is the stigma surrounding dementia, which deepens isolation and makes it harder for families to ask the questions that could connect them with support.
“That’s where Dementia Bermuda comes in,” Ms Fay said.
“As the island’s only non-profit dedicated solely to dementia care, we provide free, community-based services that help people with dementia live more safely and meaningfully, while empowering caregivers with tools, knowledge and support. Our mission is simple: to ensure no one in Bermuda has to face dementia alone.”
To fulfil that mission, the charity offers a range of core services designed to meet families where they are, including:
In-Home Occupational Therapy (OT) Services
Dementia Bermuda’s occupational therapists provide personalised dementia assessments and care consultations in the home. Services include cognitive screening, environmental safety checks, care planning, adaptive equipment recommendations, caregiver guidance and strategies to keep individuals safe and independent for as long as possible.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
An evidence-based group programme for people with mild, to moderate dementia. Through structured activities, participants engage in conversation, memory exercises, and social interaction, which has been shown to improve quality of life and cognitive skills.
Daily Activities Programme
The only programme of its kind in Bermuda, offering weekday drop-in classes that give people with dementia meaningful opportunities for creativity, movement, and social connection. This not only enhances quality of life for persons living with dementia, but also their family caregivers.
Caregiver Education & Support
Free monthly classes for family caregivers. Sessions cover the basics of dementia, practical strategies for daily care, emotional wellbeing and planning ahead, while also providing a chance to connect with others who understand. Caregivers gain tools, knowledge and a supportive community so they don’t have to navigate dementia alone.
“Many families struggle to find dementia support because services in Bermuda are limited, costly and often fragmented,” Ms Fay explained.
“Dementia carries stigma, which delays families from seeking help until they are already in crisis. On top of this, 75 per cent of people with dementia are uninsured or underinsured, leaving most families to shoulder the burden alone.
“Dementia Bermuda bridges these gaps by offering free, accessible services, but other organisations also play important roles.
“If you or someone you love is affected by dementia, don’t wait until you’re in crisis—reach out to Dementia Bermuda today for free support, guidance, and hope.”
Contact Dementia Bermuda
Phone: 707-0600
Website: www.dementiabermuda.bm
E-mail: [email protected]
Additional services in Bermuda:
BEAMS (Bermuda Alzheimer’s & Memory Services)
Provides memory screening, diagnostic assessments, and in‑home caregiving services to support people with dementia and their families. Visit beamsbermuda.org to learn more.
The Compass Guide to Dementia Caregiving
A free online course offering practical information for dementia caregivers in Bermuda. Available at: northstardementia.bm
KEMH Geriatric & Memory Clinic
Offers specialist memory assessments and dementia care through King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. A physician referral is required to access this service.
Mindset Bermuda
Provides assessment/diagnostic services and psychological support for individuals and families. Website: www.mindsetbda.com
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]]>The post Let’s help people age with dignity appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>While the two conditions are distinct, both can disrupt how individuals interact with their world and connect with their environment and others.
It’s a reminder that, more than ever, compassion matters; from how we design our spaces and train our caregivers, to how we support each other through change.
While dementia can affect memory, judgment and communication, vision loss alters how people perceive their surroundings. When either occurs, tasks that were once simple – finding the bathroom, crossing a street, or recognising familiar faces – can become disorienting or even dangerous.
In unfamiliar environments or low-light situations, confusion can increase. The result can lead to social withdrawal, reduced confidence and a growing sense of isolation.
Vision Bermuda supports individuals experiencing vision loss by providing tools, training and technology
to help them maintain independence. Though the organisation doesn’t work directly with dementia, the
overlap in needs is clear. Many of the same strategies, such as adapting the home environment, using tactile or auditory cues, and offering clear, consistent support, can benefit people living with dementia, too.
Caregivers are often the quiet bridge between these worlds. It’s not uncommon for a caregiver supporting someone with dementia to also manage other health conditions, including sensory loss.
In these situations, Vision Bermuda’s resources, including home assessments, adaptive devices, mobility training and social and support groups, can reduce stress on caregivers and improve the daily experience for those in their care.
This overlap highlights a broader truth: many people, regardless of the condition they’re living with, face
similar emotional and practical challenges. The loss of independence, the stigma attached to disability,
and the need for environments that are both accessible and respectful of individual dignity are concerns
that cut across diagnoses.
At Vision Bermuda, we recognise that the challenges of sight loss often mirror those faced by individuals
living with other conditions, like dementia. By supporting people with vision impairment, we’re
contributing to a broader culture of accessibility, empathy and inclusion.
No one should have to navigate confusion, disorientation, or isolation alone, and with the right tools, training, and community support, we believe independence can still thrive.
Dementia may affect how someone thinks, and vision loss may affect how they see, but it’s how we show up for one another, as neighbours, friends, family, and community, that makes the biggest difference. Let’s choose to show up for those facing these challenges and work together to ensure that everyone has the support they need to age with dignity.
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]]>BEAMS Clinic is a general practice functional medicine clinic that caters to patients of all ages who are interested in holistic healthcare, functional medicine consultation, or dementia care.
Dr Cousins-Simpson said she is committed to helping her patients understand their medical concerns by going to the root cause and not merely treating the symptoms.
With a close family member facing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, coupled with the need to provide more specialised care to both elderly patients and those suffering from dementia, she earned a post-graduate certificate in dementia care medicine from Stirling University in the United Kingdom.
Dr Cousins-Simpson is serving as vice president of the Bermuda Medical Doctors Association and is strongly involved in the community through free community talks and her work in the dementia community.
She shared her expertise and advice on the topic of dementia.
RG Best Health: What is dementia, and what is its relationship with Alzheimer’s?
Dr Cousins-Simpson: Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe a decline in executive functions, such as memory, judgment, attention and focus, that will affect one’s daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia.
RG: What are the different types of dementia?
Dr Cousins-Simpson: There are about ten different types of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson’s dementia are the most commonly seen types in Bermuda. Alzheimer’s disease results from protein plaques forming in the brain, whether due to past trauma, infection, or chronic inflammation.
Vascular dementia comes after a vascular insult such as a stroke, whether from a hemorrhagic stroke (a bleed in the brain from a ruptured blood vessel), or from an ischemic stroke, where a clot blocks off a blood vessel in the brain.
Parkinson’s dementia results from damage done to the brain from years of having Parkinson’s disease.
Other less common types of dementia are Lewy body dementia, alcohol-related dementia, frontotemporal dementia and normal hydrocephalus dementia.
RG: What is the impact of the disease on someone with dementia, and what is the impact on their loved ones?
Dr Cousins-Simpson: In the early stages of the disease, the impact on the individual is most jarring. At this stage, the person knows that they are beginning to lose their memory. This terrifies them because it implies loss of control and independence. They also worry about long-term care and who will take care of them. Will there be enough resources for them to live a quality life?
The impact on the family is also emotional, financial and physically draining. Studies show that the caregiver of a person with dementia is more likely to die before the person with dementia. This is because most family members go to their nine-to-five job and then come home to take care of their loved ones. This is akin to working 24 hours a day, especially when behavioural issues like wandering or aggressive behaviour are involved. The emotional impact of having a spouse or parent no longer remembering who you are is devastating to some family members.
RG: Are there warning signs that we might be developing dementia?
Dr Cousins-Simpson: Apart from the most common sign of forgetfulness, there are other early signs such as paranoia or depression, especially in persons who never suffered with these previously. Just a change in personality can be an early sign. Patients are usually very good at hiding or explaining away these behaviours.
RG: Your practice is dedicated to “helping prevent and/or reverse Alzheimer’s and dementia”. What steps can we take to make ourselves less likely to get Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Dr Cousins-Simpson: The World Health Organisation states that two-thirds of dementia can be prevented. Risk factors for dementia include diabetes, stroke and hypertension, which means the majority of dementia is a lifestyle disease. Prevention goes back to the basics: eating a balanced diet, decreasing processed foods, exercising, reducing stress and having a healthy social life.
RG: What can be done to reverse Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Dr Cousins-Simpson: Because Alzheimer’s is commonly used as a blanket term for all memory decline, if we look for other treatable causes, we can essentially reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Treatable causes that mimic Alzheimer’s include low vitamin B12, low cholesterol, low thyroid hormones, certain infections, brain tumours and depression. These are all illnesses I have treated in persons thought to have Alzheimer’s disease, and I have seen their Alzheimer’s “reversed”.
RG: Is there a link between dementia and shingles? If so, what is the value of the shingles vaccine in warding against the onset of dementia?
Dr Cousins-Simpson: There have been a few studies showing this link, which would tie into the premise that plaques form in the brain due to infections. Shingles vaccines do have benefits for the elderly by preventing and minimising the impact of shingles outbreaks in the elderly population. However, dementia is such a multifactorial disease that I am hesitant to put so much prevention benefit on a single agent.
RG: What medical research outcome would most help doctors, and their patients who have dementia?
Dr Cousins-Simpson: In my opinion, the numerous studies on the benefits of exercise in patients at all stages of dementia are most valuable. It has been shown that consistent mild to moderate exercise in patients with dementia improves their physical and functional abilities, their mental and behavioural functions, and decreases caregiver stress.
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]]>This is why, as part of the National Seniors Strategy, the Ministry will be launching a new integrated care pathway for dementia, covering access to initial assessments all the way through to end of life care.
“With our growing population of seniors, it’s a priority,” she said. “Dementia can be very progressive and if people don’t know about dementia and the affects that it can have on a person’s life, they will not be prepared.
“They will not be prepared for the progression of dementia, and living with dementia, and then it creates a higher burden on our community as a whole, our social systems, our financial systems. We want to be in a better place as far as preparation.”
Care framework
The integrated care pathway will set out a standard practice for dementia care in Bermuda so patients know where they can get assessed, what to do next and what services and support are available to them. It follows the successful dementia care services pilot programme, which was launched in October 2023.
“What we did hear from people in our community was that they didn’t know where to turn, they didn’t know who to talk to, who to turn to, to get more information about dementia,” Ms Furbert explained.
“A pathway will give direction and flow to assessment care for dementia in Bermuda.”
This pathway identifies seven domains of the disease and its progression through to the end of life. Each domain has an aim, objective and targeted actions, which will be implemented by working groups made up of healthcare professionals, dementia specialists and caregivers.
“It will create a clear framework for persons being able to understand management of dementia in different care settings,” Ms Furbert said.
“It will help to ensure there is alignment in the approach to care for dementia. Promote consistency and quality of care. Also, it will help us to address any barriers that persons are experiencing for required care.
“The goal of the integrated pathway is to improve the quality of care and the quality of life for persons with dementia and it creates a system framework for persons living with dementia and their families so that they have the appropriate information, appropriate services and supports.”
Prevention
There is also a focus on prevention.
“We also want to reduce the rate of dementia in Bermuda. Being able to outline what those risk factors are. We want to be able to reduce the prevalence of dementia overall in the long term.”
Risk factors for dementia include drug and alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diet, hearing deficits and social isolation.
“Socialisation is huge,” Ms Furbert said. “People get excited about retiring at the age of 65, and some people go home to an empty house. They’re not surrounding themselves with family and friends who will provide some socialisation for them.
“So, getting that information out to our communities so that they know, ‘I have to change my behaviours. I have to be very intentional about aging, and aging well.’”
Access to assessments
One of a number of positive outcomes from the dementia care pilot programme was that more people gained access to an assessment, regardless of their ability to pay. This is something the minister wants to build on with the integrated care pathway.
“Once there is a referral to the dementia care pilot programme and persons are assessed, without having this programme, persons won’t necessarily know where to go to get an assessment or get the information of where to go for an assessment.
“They also refer persons to other agencies or physicians to get further assessments to provide a formal diagnosis of dementia.”
For those who are uninsured, or underinsured, the pilot programme provides funding for assessment and related services.
Ms Furbert is determined to keep that funding in place, not just to support the patient, but also their caregivers.
“A huge part of this is caregiving, particularly for those persons who find themselves unsafe or neglecting their self-care needs. Caregiving comes into play and it is very helpful to family members in, number one, helping them to stay in their own homes and not having to go to a care facility. And, number two, it will ease some of the stress that is associated with caring for loved ones.”
Work in progress
The integrated care pathway has been a cross ministry collaboration between Ms Furbert’s ministry, along with the Ministry of Health and the Bermuda Health Council. It will also be, she said, a “work in progress”, building on successful initiatives already underway and will include further proposals where needed.
A priority proposal is funding for long-term care, as well as long-term care facilities. The government has also committed to provide a senior daycare facility with a dementia care focus.
Ms Furbert feels strongly about dementia care, not just because it is a growing concern for a large portion of Bermuda’s population, but also because she witnessed first-hand the devastating impact it had on her own grandfather.
Making things better however, requires increased awareness and understanding.
“We need our community on board. We need our physicians to understand that these are very real conditions that have an impact on lives.
“If someone is unable to take care of their daily living skills and they’re neglectful of their health, they’re neglectful of their ability to eat, to clean themselves.”
Ultimately, she said, the integrated care pathway will have been successful if there is “a level of understanding. A level of respect. That people will say in our community that they feel supported and that they knew where to go for help. Those would be the outcomes that I would like to see.”
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]]>The post An ongoing grieving process appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>Ms Lambert (nee Swan), a principal customs officer for government, was 55 and showing signs of the condition at work.
“In home life, I actually thought that she was going deaf,” said Ms Burchell, now 32. “When I would speak, it would take a second to register or she wouldn’t acknowledge when I would say something.
“In the workplace, it was seen in the way she was writing her emails or forgetting certain processes.”
A family meeting was held during the festive holiday and the devastating diagnosis was shared with relatives.
Almost a decade on, Ms Burchell’s life is nothing like she imagined it would be when she was a final-year student getting ready to embark on the next stage in her young adult life.
“Once I came home from college, it was straight into this life, where you are just going to have to deal with this chapter, and it’s lasted until 2025,” she said.
“She is still alive. We still care for her in the home.”
Ms Burchell moved back into the Warwick homestead straight after graduating and she and her stepfather Edward Lambert took on caregiving duties, in addition to their full-time jobs.
Initially, Ms Lambert could be left alone and could drive to pick up a daily treat from KFC, where the staff knew her well.
Heartbreaking decline
But her daughter said the symptoms of dementia “progressed pretty quickly”, particularly once the pandemic began in 2020.
She recalled a heartbreaking moment watching her mom on a doorbell video trying to get into their home.
“She couldn’t figure out how to use the key. She went to go get a stick and she was trying to use a stick to unlock the door.”
Ms Burchell described Alzheimer’s as like a “weird game” where “you reach a new level with each new era that comes.
“With each level you grieve again because you’re realising that ‘man, she can’t do this anymore’. Or ‘I remember when she could do this’.
“The grieving process never ends as a caregiver.”
Her beloved 64-year-old mom — once a “powerhouse, a big-time boss in her career, one of the most friendly and loving people” — is now in the late stages of Alzheimer’s.
She is incontinent, can only eat pureed food and has very limited mobility. She has not spoken for a long time.
It’s when describing her mom before the condition took hold that Ms Burchell is most emotional.
“I always said when I grew up that I wanted to be just like her,” she said.
“I saw how people reacted to her spirit. She was a philanthropist as well, she was very big in assisting with Friends of Hospice, Agape House, and the Rubber Duck Derby.”
These days, Ms Lambert does not appear to recognise her loved ones or her familiar surroundings, though she does watch her husband intently when he’s in the room.
Ms Burchell and her stepfather have chosen to keep her at home “trying to give her as much dignity as possible” but it has taken its toll.
For years, they managed without a caregiver, juggling their shifts around their responsibilities at home.
“I struggled with depression because it just felt like there was no breathing room,” said Ms Burchell.
More recently, they have hired part-time caregivers and now Ms Lambert has a full-time carer in the day when Ms Burchell and Mr Lambert are at work.
At-home care typically costs between $4,000 and $5,000 a month, not including food and medical supplies such as diapers and bed pans. HIP, the government health insurance plan, pays a portion (up to $15 an hour), but the financial strain is severe.
Ms Burchell initially went into the tourism industry after college but switched to the corporate world for more money and a less pressured role.
She has had to change her expectations, both of what she imagined for herself and what she thought others within her wider family might contribute.
Family support, she said, is crucial to the individual and the caregiver.
“It could be as simple as you coming in and sitting with the person for a few hours so that the carer can go and do their errands comfortably.
“There definitely could have been more assistance from the family as a whole.”
She advised anyone at the start of their caregiving journey not to take it personally if relatives don’t step up.
“I went through the resentment,” she said. “But for you to hold resentment, it’s only going to harm you. It’s only going to weigh you down when you already have enough on your plate.”
She said it was vital to spell out to those in the sufferer’s life before the diagnosis what they could now do to help.
“They may not receive it how you want them to and they may not do anything to assist … but if you don’t speak on it … then ultimately you are putting it on yourself.”
Giving thanks
She is grateful for those who have helped, including her stepfather for “all that he has done and for remaining to be in her life” and caregiver Dedra Hayward.
The kindness of others, such as Shawn Talbot, the founder of meal prep company Nourished Bermuda, has meant the world. “I would order food [through Northstar Dementia] and he would give extra meals,” said Ms Burchell.
A neighbour, Beverly Brangman, would take Ms Lambert for walks after her diagnosis, to help her mobility.
Meals on Wheels, arranged for Ms Lambert by her son, have proved a lifeline, as have Marie Fay and all at Dementia Bermuda, an organisation that Ms Burchell now volunteers for herself.
She is on the charity’s board and serves as secretary, relishing the chance to assist others.
Ms Burchell tells those she meets through Dementia Bermuda that “grieving will be an ongoing process”.
She explained: “You will grieve the person in front of you, losing themselves, and you will grieve the life that you thought you would have, that you no longer have because you’re doing this tremendous job of caring for someone that cannot care for themselves.
“And it’s OK. You are not alone.”
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]]>The post A journey of love appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>Ms Kast may not remember someone’s name when she bumps into them – but they invariably end up hugging anyway.
“I go into the food store, and somebody goes, ‘ANNNE!’ – and I can’t remember their name,” said Ms Kast, who was diagnosed with dementia two years ago.
Ms Kast responds by apologising, telling the acquaintance she doesn’t remember their name, and asking for a reminder.
“And people love it,” she said. “That works really well.”
Ms Kast’s positive spirit is intentional.
“I work on that. I really do. You have to accept things, and that’s helpful. I’m so fortunate with my family. Oh my gosh. They get all the thank yous.”
Dementia is a disease fraught with challenges and heartache, but the 78-year-old has tackled it the only way she knows: head on.
It’s an unsurprising approach from someone who enjoyed a remarkable career as a trailblazing businesswoman – she was the first female private investment manager in Bermuda, founded the successful Kast Investment Management in 1991, and worked a key role at the Bank of Bermuda for 17 years prior.
Ms Kast was also the first person in Bermuda to receive the drug Leqembi, which slows the progression of Alzheimer’s.
A long road
The road to access the medicine was exhausting and extraordinary.
About seven years ago, she told her doctor she was noticing some difficulty with words and language. She underwent an assessment, happily passed it, and the word dementia was never mentioned.
“I kind of went on my way, not worrying about anything,” she said. “The years went by. Things changed.”
She saw a specialist in New York in 2020 and was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. But the Covid-19 pandemic meant she was unable to follow up quickly.
In 2023, she was assessed again, and this time her GP confirmed she had dementia.
Daughter Elisabeth Kast recalled: “That’s when everything changed. It’s extremely difficult news to receive.
“We were left to figure everything out for ourselves. Luckily, our family in the US knew of a reputable neurologist, so we went and had her assessed in Virginia.
“The neurologist recommended a new FDA-approved medication, Leqembi, which has to be given intravenously.
“I was like, this is great, but how the heck are we going to get this in Bermuda? Do they know about it here? Who would be able to administer it intravenously?”
They met with a psychiatrist, who agreed Leqembi was suitable and safe, and would slow down the disease’s progression. He enlisted the support of CG Pharmacy, who worked with Ms Kast’s insurance company to bring the drug into the island; once Ms Kast was approved, a “fantastic doctor” agreed to administer it every two weeks. She still goes to Dr Arlene Basden at Bermuda Medical Specialties Group every two weeks for the infusions and reports, receiving incredible care while she’s there.
“At the beginning, we had to figure this all out by ourselves,” Elisabeth said. “No one said, now that she has dementia, this is what you need to do.
“It was a six-month arduous process, with doctor visits, navigating the health system. On top of that, you’re dealing with the emotional aspect of your mother receiving the diagnosis.”
The Bermuda Government this month moved to address the issue by launching an integrated care pathway that aims to ensure families get appropriate information, services and support.
The Kasts welcomed the development, acknowledging that many people with dementia do not have the resources to pursue top-class help like they did.
Love and support
The Kasts acknowledged that many people with dementia do not have the resources to pursue top-class help like they did.
Elisabeth said: “I think about the people in Bermuda who are in the early stages of the disease who aren’t able to access these treatments that are available. It’s upsetting.”
Ms Kast’s dementia progression may now be more controlled, but there remains no cure for dementia.
She said: “It comes and goes. Waking up in the morning is the hardest time, I feel terrible. As the day goes on, it gets better and better and then I’m back again. I sort of live with that. That’s the downside.”
She receives support from Dementia Bermuda through attending their fitness classes with other individuals with dementia.
“That’s great. I love that. It’s excellent. It gets crowded and there’s all kinds of people in there, and I love the girl who’s leading it.”
Dementia has also brought the family closer together.
“I’ve never had this kind of love,” Ms Kast said.
“I’ve had a great life. That’s what keeps me going. When I’m really down or upset or whatever I just say, hold on, you’re lucky with what you have.”
Elisabeth added: “In many ways, her diagnosis has brought us closer, because she relies on me more, but we also treasure our time together more, having to navigate so many things together.
“I’ve really admired how my mom has coped with this. She’s probably coped with it better than me. It’s brought us closer, so for that I’m grateful.”
Elisabeth believes her mom can serve as a role model for others at the early stages of their dementia journey.
“She did the right thing,” she said.
“She went multiple times when she started noticing symptoms and sought opinion and assessment. She didn’t run away from it.
“Because she was able to get a diagnosis early, she was able to get treatment that wouldn’t have been available if we had waited.
“Our advice is to get assessed as soon as possible. The sooner you know, the better. Don’t wait. Don’t run from it.”
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]]>There are already an estimated 3,000 people living with dementia in Bermuda – and those numbers are expected to triple within 25 years as our population gets older.
Even though dementia-related deaths are often attributed in the record books to comorbidities such as heart or respiratory issues, it has been named among the leading causes of death on the island.
The impact is widespread.
For individuals: Dementia is a progressive and terminal condition that leads to a decline in cognitive, physical and emotional health, ultimately affecting all bodily functions.
For caregivers: About 80 per cent of care is provided by family members – unpaid and often untrained – whose own wellbeing can be severely harmed by the physical, emotional and financial toll.
For our economy: Health officials estimate dementia already costs Bermuda $94.5 million a year.
For our social fabric: About 75 per cent of people with dementia are uninsured or underinsured, meaning that the poorest segments of society can’t access the health services they need.
“Dementia is one of the most pressing issues in Bermuda,” Erica Fulton, executive director of Dementia Bermuda, told RG Best Health.
“We have an aging population, and we know that the numbers are only going to continue rising. We know that we are not adequately meeting needs today.”
This month, the Bermuda Government launched an integrated care pathway for dementia to help people along every step of their journey (see page X).
Dementia Bermuda – founded in 2012 as Action on Alzheimer’s in Bermuda – merged earlier this year with Northstar Dementia to become the island’s leading non-profit providing community-based dementia care. The merger has enabled the organisation to make great strides, supporting more than 400 people so far this year, through its four-core services.
But there remains a long road ahead.
Progressive decline
Marie Fay, clinical director of Dementia Bermuda, and founder of Northstar Dementia, has worked as an occupational therapist in this field for the past 20 years and has seen the hardship up close.
“Like other life-limiting conditions, dementia progresses through stages, with increasing care needs required toward the end of life,” she said.
Dementia affects far more than just memory. It can also involve changes in speech, language, vision, information processing and behaviour, all of which gradually reduce a person’s independence and may compromise their safety.
As the condition progresses, it places increasing demands on both the individual and their caregivers — often leading to the need for assistance with mobility, personal care and eventually all aspects of daily living.
Dementia Bermuda works to maintain skills and quality of life for as long as possible through its In-Home Occupational Therapy, Daily Activities and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy programmes.
Value of early detection
The good news is that a dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of the world – it can be the start of finding support to live well.
Ms Fay said: “With the right education and understanding of the condition, with the right support early enough, people can continue to live well with a diagnosis of dementia.
“There are things that we can do to help slow the progression and put people in a more empowered position.”
The problem is that early detection doesn’t happen often enough.
“We are finding that people are either not receiving that diagnosis or are receiving it at a point which is too late for us to provide proactive care and support for best possible outcomes,” Ms Fay said.
“Too often, people contact us at the point of crisis, as they may not have recognised the changes earlier or had the insight to seek support sooner.
“Unfortunately, it means they’re already at burnout and it’s already having a significant negative impact on their health and wellbeing.
“Those clients who contact us who are proactive, who are hitting it head on, and say ‘I noticed changes in my memory, I’ve been to my doctor, I’d love to get connected with you’ – that’s the best-case scenario for connecting with our services.”
The Government’s new integrated care pathway intends to address this by helping people get assessed early, understand their support options and plan their next steps.
Stigma
One reason people sometimes don’t act quickly is that dementia still carries a sense of shame or embarrassment.
Ms Fulton said: “As a society, we are terrible about how we approach aging. Everything’s about trying to stop aging. It’s very ingrained in us that you don’t want to get older and it’s shameful to need help.
“So, we hide conditions. We need to embrace the idea of aging healthily.”
Dementia Bermuda, which aims to change mindsets by promoting awareness, has organised a series of events throughout World Alzheimer’s Month this September.
“Some people see dementia as a normal part of aging. They think it’s just granny being forgetful,” Ms Fulton said.
“Which is why we’re pushing in September: let’s talk about it.
“When we increase our publicity with interviews, we find we get calls from people who may have been struggling at home for years, on their own, isolated. When they hear it put into words that it’s not just this inevitably of aging, it’s an actual disease and it should require a diagnosis and post-diagnostic support, they come forward.”
Ms Fay said: “It’s about switching the conversation around dementia. When I have family meetings with people who have just received a diagnosis of dementia, they almost feel like it’s an immediate death sentence. They’re like, when will my loved one be unable to remember me? When will they start wandering from the home?
“We provide a lot of education to say that may never be the case for your loved one, or at least not for a long time to come. Often, with the right education and the right support early, people can continue to live well with a diagnosis of dementia.”
Burden of care
Alleviating the care burden is a top priority for Dementia Bermuda – and serious inroads have been made in the past 12 months.
Ms Fay said: “We always say we are asking people to do the impossible. Our system is hugely reliant on family members to fill those service gaps.
“We cannot effectively care for someone with dementia without also caring for their loved ones supporting them. A large portion are elderly spouses themselves, who are seniors and have their own health issues.”
Dementia Bermuda’s community-based services aim to help people with dementia remain safe and independent at home for as long as possible, while supporting family caregivers to manage their complex role.
In the first half of 2025, 93 caregivers signed up to its new Caregiver Education and Support Programme.
Ms Fulton said: “It brings a group of people together who are facing similar challenges. Up to that point, they may not have really spoken about their experience of caring for a loved one. It’s a safe space to share, build your confidence, acquire skills, network and find solutions.”
This is essential, because dementia is an issue that impacts us all.
“Only by working together,” Ms Fulton said, “can we create a support system that Bermuda needs.”
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