The Alzheimer’s Association will present four awards at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) Neuroscience Next in Chicago in April at the University of Chicago to recognise researchers for their varied expertise, noteworthy achievements and innovative contributions to the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia science.
AAIC Neuroscience Next is a global conference that aims to support and showcase the next generation of Alzheimer’s and dementia researchers and clinicians.
Rianna Patterson founded the Dominica Dementia Foundation at 18, in memory of her grandfather who passed away with Dementia in Dominica. The Dementia Foundation is a youth-led dementia charity that supports families and care homes affected by dementia. Ms.Patterson received the Queen’s Young Leader award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll in June 2017 for her commitments to Dementia activism. Rianna was a finalist of the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Development Excellence in the Caribbean Region in 2022.
She is also an ambassador for CommonAge and film director of the award winning documentary called Dementia: The Island Journey, a documentary film on dementia in the Caribbean.
Ms.Patterson is a current masters student reading dementia at University College London (UCL) and has contributed to dementia research at Alzheimer’s Disease International and independently, one of her reports was presented and published by Alzheimer’s Association in 2017.
“I would like to begin by giving glory to God. I am deeply honored that the Alzheimer’s community has recognized the work we are doing in Dominica. Being acknowledged by such a frontline platform like the Alzheimer’s Association means everything. With God’s help, anything is achievable. I would like to dedicate this award to my grandfather, to the executive team of the Dominica Dementia Foundation, and all those who support our community, including care workers, providers, and families affected by dementia in Dominica. I would also like to acknowledge my mentors and the village around me that has helped me go from strength to strength. I am looking forward to meeting other amazing young leaders at the conference in Chicago.” expressed Rianna.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
