Helping Families Understand Memory Concerns and Cognitive Changes

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – From cognitive impairment to dementia care, the Family Medicine Center on Blake Road has been actively assisting patients as young as 45 for the last two years, but as geriatrician Dr. Sanita Belgrave-King tells us, navigating brain health requires a deep understanding.

Dr. Sanita Belgrave-King – Geriatrician, Family Medicine Center Memory Clinic

“Memory loss is like a spider web. It is intricate, it is complicated, but once you have the correct evaluation the management becomes a little easier for the family.“

“Because I remember the first patient we had and their question was where do we go from there. Sometimes the reality is that we may not able to reverse it, but the family needs to feel supported.”

Dr. Belgrave-King stresses that an early evaluation offers reassurance, giving caregivers support.

This awareness month she’s reminding persons that persistent memory loss isn’t just a normal part of growing older, and if you have concerns, taking an assessment can help.

Dr. Sanita Belgrave-King – Geriatrician, Family Medicine Center Memory Clinic

“We’re seeing many more types. Recently, we had a dementia type associated with Parkinson’s Disease. We’ve had [some] related to alcoholism and certain vitamin deficiencies, and so that’s why it’s so important to evaluate these patients, so that not only them and the family gets treatment, but so that our statistics can really mimic what we see here in the Bahamas.”

“We know we don’t have a right history, and that’s something that the Bahamas Alzehimers Association is working hard and getting done for the country.”

Dr. Belgrave-King shares that simple lifestyle changes like lowering stress and eating healthier can make a massive difference for brain health, and also recognizing the sacrifices made at home is exactly what inspired their approach to the community.

Dr. Sanita Belgrave-King – Geriatrician, Family Medicine Center Memory Clinic

“It’s not that a lot of people don’t want to come, but they’re balancing so much in their life as well, and that’s why with our memory clinic, we not only focus on the patient, but also on the caregiver.“

“The caregiver gets tired. The caregiver gets burnt out on stress. And then there’s not just the time, but there’s also a financial factor of financial burden that’s placed on families.”

“So I love to say to them that you were not alone, we designed our program, especially for you, so that not just your loved one, but you also can get the help that you need.”