The Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation, Inc. (GREJOF) recently marked the 15th anniversary of World Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day in Liberia. The event, held on September 25, 2026, brought together high school students and health practitioners under the theme “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.” The foundation called for early diagnosis, increased public awareness, and greater support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
The Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation was established in 2015 in the United States and in Liberia in 2022 in honor of the late Geneva Reeves-Johnson, who died in Georgia, USA, in 2013 from complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The foundation continues Reeves-Johnson’s legacy through initiatives focused on mental health awareness, women’s rights, education, skills development, support for impoverished families, and community empowerment.
GREJOF’s Director of Programs and Training, John M. Gray, highlighted the foundation’s Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Program (YEMP), which seeks to equip young Liberians with skills and knowledge through seminars, vocational training, mentorship, peer discussions, and civic education. YEMP also encourages young people to become ambassadors for Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness while promoting volunteerism, strategic youth leadership, non-violence, and education.
Dr. Juliett Whyeayea Diggs, a psychiatry specialist at the E.S. Grant Mental Health Hospital under the Ministry of Health, served as guest speaker at the event. She emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs of dementia and seeking medical assistance. Dr. Diggs explained that dementia is a group of symptoms resulting from physical damage to the brain and can affect memory, communication, problem-solving, planning, and behavior.
Dr. Diggs identified warning signs of dementia, including memory loss that disrupts daily activities, difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion about time and familiar places, repeated questions, difficulty performing routine tasks, mood changes, withdrawal, and agitation. She stressed that dementia is not a normal part of ageing and urged families to seek professional help when they notice significant changes in an elderly relative’s behavior or memory.
According to Dr. Diggs, early diagnosis can help families understand the condition, access appropriate treatment and support, prepare for future care needs, and preserve the affected person’s independence for as long as possible. She also called for greater compassion toward people living with dementia, noting that understanding the condition can help reduce stigma and prevent families and communities from misinterpreting dementia-related behavior.
Dr. Diggs encouraged communities to have open conversations about dementia and support affected individuals and their caregivers. She emphasized that early diagnosis matters, saying “Always, the sooner you know, the more you can do.” The event aimed to raise awareness about dementia and promote support for those affected by the condition.
Key points
- The Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation marked the 15th World Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day in Liberia, calling for early diagnosis and increased public awareness.
- The foundation’s Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Program seeks to equip young Liberians with skills and knowledge, including Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness.
- Dr. Juliett Whyeayea Diggs emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs of dementia and seeking medical assistance to improve care and support for those affected.
