​Alzheimer : “Il faut aider les aidants”

The association France Alzheimer Polynésie held an event at Paofai Park in Tahiti on Saturday, September 19, 2026, to mark World Alzheimer’s Day. The gathering aimed to raise awareness and provide support for families affected by neurodegenerative diseases, which can lead to a loss of autonomy and dementia.

During the event, the President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, shared his personal experience caring for his father, who suffered from frontotemporal dementia between 2014 and 2018. Brotherson emphasized the emotional and physical toll on families, noting that professional assistance often becomes necessary. He stated that society must organize itself to better support caregivers and ensure adequate care for patients, particularly as the population ages.

Yasmina Achille, president of France Alzheimer Polynésie, highlighted the difficulties families face in obtaining medical diagnoses, noting that long wait times and geographical isolation in the islands exacerbate the situation. She stated that the association is working to establish volunteer teams in every commune to provide closer support to caregivers, who are at risk of exhaustion and isolation.

To inform future public health policies, a participatory research study is currently underway, coordinated by sociologist Lauriane Dos Santos from the University of French Polynesia. The study, co-funded by the Direction of Health, the Ministry of Solidarity, and the France Alzheimer Union, aims to map the prevalence of these diseases, identify barriers to care, and improve social and health support systems. While approximately 500 cases are officially declared in the territory, researchers estimate that at least 2,200 patients may be affected. The final report for the study is expected in 2028.

Article and image source: tahiti-infos.com