Centre for Women & Youth Empowerment (CEWAYE)
Dr. Joyce Namwase, currently pursuing a Psychiatry Masters at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, also holds the role of project coordinator for the "Fight Dementia" initiative at the Ugandan Centre for Women and Youth Empowerment (CEWAYE). With the support of the Giving Joy grant, she is leading the "Fight Dementia" project, a groundbreaking initiative raising awareness about dementia among 300 individuals in the Nakivale refugee settlement in Isingiro district, southwestern Uganda. This project addresses a critical gap, focusing on one of the most vulnerable groups—elderly refugee women. It is the only dementia-focused initiative in Uganda targeting this population. The grant has provided an opportunity to not only implement this project but also explore the potential for scaling it to other parts of the country.
The project facilitated stakeholder engagement meetings with local leaders, healthcare providers, and leaders of elderly groups within the Nakivale settlement to disseminate vital information about dementia. These sessions aimed to correct misconceptions, define dementia, outline risk factors, explore treatment options, and guide individuals on where to seek care. To ensure this information reached a broad audience, posters, brochures, and banners were created in local languages and displayed in public spaces like markets, schools, and places of worship.
Additionally, 200 copies of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) tool were printed, and five healthcare workers within the refugee settlement were trained to use it. These health workers then screened 68 elderly women, identifying 23 with early-stage dementia who were subsequently referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for further care. Recognizing the trauma many of these women had experienced, an organizational psychologist was also engaged to provide psychological support alongside dementia awareness and screening.
In just three months, the project directly benefited 205 individuals, including five healthcare workers, 68 elderly women, and 132 caregivers. Indirectly, over 1,025 people were reached, as each direct beneficiary was encouraged to share the information with at least five others in the community.
By advocating for dementia awareness, prevention, and care in both refugee and host community settings, the Fight Dementia project aims to spark policy and systemic changes. The project promotes inclusion, equity, and autonomy for individuals affected by dementia, especially within the elderly population, ensuring they have a platform to voice their needs and concerns.
