WILLEMSTAD – The Parliament of Curaçao has adopted a motion urging the government to provide a structural subsidy to the Alzheimer Foundation Curaçao and to create a dedicated facility where the foundation can continue offering free services to the community.
The motion was adopted during a public parliamentary session on December 15, 2025, and received broad support, passing with 19 votes in favor and none against, according to the official voting list .
Growing Public Health Challenge
In the motion, Parliament notes that Curaçao is experiencing a rapid increase in population aging, while the age at which Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed is steadily decreasing, with cases now appearing among people aged 50 to 60.
Lawmakers point out that the Alzheimer Foundation, which marked 25 years of service on March 1 this year, provides essential support and care to patients and families, despite not receiving a structural government subsidy. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of registered Alzheimer’s patients has increased significantly, with an estimated 300 to 325 new cases annually.
According to Parliament, this growth places increasing pressure on families, many of whom are no longer able to cope with the demands of caring for relatives suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Foundation Operating on Donations
The motion highlights that the Alzheimer Foundation currently operates entirely on donations, despite delivering services that lawmakers describe as highly valuable and making a substantial contribution to public health care on the island.
Parliament argues that relying solely on donations is no longer sustainable, given the scale of the problem and the essential role the foundation plays in supporting vulnerable citizens.
Two Key Requests to Government
Through the adopted motion, Parliament formally instructs the government to:
- Consider providing a structural subsidy to the Alzheimer Foundation, enabling it to continue and expand its services to the community;
- Create a suitable space or facility where the foundation can operate and provide services free of charge, building on its 25 years of experience.
Next Steps
The motion has been forwarded to the Government of Curaçao and the Governor, placing the issue squarely on the government’s policy agenda. The adoption reflects growing political recognition that Alzheimer’s disease represents not only a medical challenge, but also a social and economic issue requiring long-term, structural solutions.
Parliament’s decision signals increased pressure on the government to move from ad hoc support toward a sustainable policy framework for dementia care on Curaçao.