Health City Cayman Islands launches Caribbean CME series on dementia and atrial fibrillation

Health City Cayman Islands has started a new online continuing medical education series for doctors across the Caribbean, beginning with training on dementia and atrial fibrillation. The launch highlights practical advances in early detection, treatment and patient safety that could improve care for two conditions tied to rising disease burden and stroke risk. Why it matters: - The series is aimed at helping Caribbean doctors keep pace with new tools for diagnosing and treating memory disorders and irregular heart rhythms. - Better early detection and safer treatment could improve outcomes for patients facing dementia, stroke risk and other complications. - Health City is using a virtual format to widen access to specialist training across the region. What happened: - Health City Cayman Islands launched its inaugural CME online series in Grand Cayman. - The first session, titled “From Mind to Heart: Advances in Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation Treatment,” focused on emergency and acute-care advances in both conditions. - Dr. Romnesh De Souza, consultant interventional neurologist, and Dr. Ravi Kishore, chief interventional cardiologist and electrophysiologist, led the one-hour session. - Physicians from across the Caribbean participated and earned CME credits. The details: - Dr. De Souza said dementia affects an estimated 55 million to 57 million people worldwide, with about 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. - Global dementia cases are projected to rise to 78 million by 2030 and more than 139 million by 2050. - More than 60% of people living with dementia are in low- and middle-income countries. - Up to 40% of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity, poor diet, hearing loss, social isolation and depression. - New blood biomarkers can identify Alzheimer’s-related changes before more invasive procedures are needed. - Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze brain imaging and help physicians monitor disease progression. - New medications can slow cognitive decline by about 25% to 35% in some patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. - Dr. De Souza stressed regular MRI monitoring for side effects, including brain swelling or fluid buildup, during treatment. - Dr. Kishore said atrial fibrillation raises the risk of stroke, heart failure and cognitive impairment. - Atrial fibrillation can also reduce quality of life and increase hospitalizations and premature death. - The session covered risk-reduction steps including weight loss, moderate exercise, avoiding alcohol, treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar. - The doctors also discussed medications that lower stroke risk. - For patients needing more intervention, Dr. Kishore outlined catheter ablation procedures to restore normal heart rhythm. - Electroporation was highlighted as a newer technique that uses quick electrical pulses and minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. - Health City described the new clinical exchange series as a way to share practical advances in patient care with physicians throughout the Caribbean through an accessible virtual platform. - Future sessions will cover additional medical specialties and remain online to broaden participation. - Health City Cayman Islands is a tertiary hospital with locations in East End and George Town in Grand Cayman. - Health City is part of the Narayana Health network and holds Joint Commission International Enterprise Accreditation. - Health City said it is the first hospital in the Caribbean and one of only six organizations globally to receive the accreditation. - More information is available at Health City Cayman Islands . Between the lines: - The launch points to a broader effort to export specialist expertise from a Caribbean hub to doctors across the region. - The focus on dementia and atrial fibrillation reflects two conditions where earlier diagnosis and preventive care can change outcomes. - The use of online CME suggests Health City is trying to lower access barriers for physicians who may not be able to travel for training. What’s next: - Health City plans additional online sessions on other medical specialties. - The organization expects the series to continue expanding participation across the Caribbean as more doctors join remotely. - Health City says the knowledge-sharing effort is intended to help raise the standard of care and improve outcomes for families dealing with serious health conditions.