The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association has enlisted the help of Arin Broderick, the first runner-up of the 2024 Miss Universe Cayman Islands pageant.
Broderick will serve as ambassador for the association and its mission of enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
“The Directors of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (“ADACI”), many of whom were present to cheer on Arin at the Pageant, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to her for selecting ADACI as her pageant platform. During her pageant journey, Arin played a pivotal role in highlighting ADACI’s mission and raising public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia through her social media outreach,” the association said in a press release.
“Through the effort of an Ambassador, ADACI hopes to create a more compassionate and understanding community for all impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”
Broderick is currently a ‘Dementia Friend’, a person who learns about dementia and uses that knowledge to create more dementia-friendly communities. She has been undergoing training with the non-profit organisation to become a ‘Dementia Champion’, which she told the Cayman Compass has been “incredibly impactful”.
“By becoming a Dementia Friend, we’re equipping individuals and businesses with the knowledge and understanding necessary to support those living with dementia. In a close-knit community like ours, small, compassionate actions can create meaningful change,” she said.
Broderick said whether it’s through simple gestures or better awareness, “these trainings foster a more inclusive environment, ensuring that people living with dementia feel understood, respected, and supported across all sectors of society. Empowering others with this knowledge helps us collectively reduce the stigma around dementia and better serve our community members who need it most.”
As ambassador, Broderick plans to focus on various outreach initiatives to engage and educate the community, including working closely with the ADACI team on events such as Senior Wellness Day and lunch-and-learn sessions, and fundraising.
“Personally, I’m excited to be spearheading a project to provide over 100 emergency care packs for seniors and their caregivers. These packs will contain essential items that can be accessed quickly in emergencies, which is especially crucial as we approach the peak of hurricane season,” Broderick said.
“Additionally, I’m working on a personal film project that aims to highlight the experiences of our seniors and caregivers. It’s a passion project that will hopefully raise awareness about the personal stories behind dementia in our community, bringing both understanding and empathy to the forefront.”
For Broderick, the cause hits home, as she revealed her grandmother has been living with dementia for several years.
“Watching her journey has been challenging for my family and me, but it has also strengthened my commitment to this cause. Our seniors are the foundation of Caymanian society — they’ve helped shape our culture, values, and progress. We owe it to them to ensure they feel supported, particularly when faced with the difficulties of memory disorders like dementia,” she said.
Being a champion for this cause, Broderick said, allows her to honour her grandmother’s legacy, “and contribute to ensuring that no senior in Cayman [faces] dementia in isolation. It’s about building a community that acknowledges their struggles and provides the care and dignity they deserve. I believe Cayman has a responsibility to lead by example in how we care for all our seniors.”
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