Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation marks World Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day

The Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation, Inc. (GREJOF) commemorated the 15th anniversary of World Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day in Paynesville, Liberia. Under the theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” the event brought together health practitioners and high school students to advocate for early diagnosis, increased public awareness, and improved support for dementia patients and their caregivers.

John M. Gray, GREJOF’s Director of Programs and Training, noted that the non-profit foundation was established in 2015 in the United States and in 2022 in Liberia to honor the late Geneva Reeves-Johnson. The organization focuses on mental health awareness, women’s rights, education, and community empowerment. Its Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Program (YEMP) aims to train young Liberians in vocational skills and civic education while encouraging them to serve as ambassadors for dementia awareness.

Dr. Juliett Whyeayea Diggs, a psychiatry specialist at the E. S. Grant Mental Health Hospital, served as guest speaker. She emphasized the necessity of recognizing early warning signs of dementia, such as memory loss that disrupts daily activities, noting that the condition results from physical brain damage affecting communication, problem-solving, and behavior.