KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Jamaica is intensifying its efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as Dr. Brian Kazaara, a psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, underscores the critical link between chronic illnesses and dementia. With the local ageing population contributing to a rise in dementia cases, Dr. Kazaara emphasizes that conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and stroke significantly elevate the risk by damaging brain blood vessels and impairing cognitive functions. NCDs like diabetes cause elevated blood sugar levels, harming vascular health, while hypertension and high cholesterol reduce cerebral blood flow, leading to cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. Dr. Kazaara highlights Jamaica’s high prevalence of NCDs, noting that untreated hypertension and diabetes can accelerate dementia progression or diminish the quality of life for older adults, who may struggle with medication adherence. He also identifies physical inactivity, smoking, and poor diet as contributing factors to both NCDs and dementia. Dementia, a neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting the elderly, involves the progressive loss of brain neurons, resulting in cognitive, behavioral, and personality changes. Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty performing familiar tasks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally and is a major contributor to disability among older populations. The disease’s impact extends beyond individuals to their families, caregivers, and society at large. Dr. Kazaara, who also serves as president of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association, explains that dementia patients often struggle with daily activities such as bathing, cooking, and self-care, placing emotional and financial strain on families. In addition to NCDs, risk factors for dementia include advanced age, family history, and genetic mutations.