Friederike de Maeyer

Friederike de Maeyer is an active informal carer and chairwoman of the Austrian National Association for Dementia Self-Help (Dachverband Demenz Selbsthilfe Austria).
Originally from Belgium, and after a long time as expat in China, Canada and Qatar, she now lives in Graz,Austria. Professionally, she worked for many years as a Foreign Language (DaF) trainer, fostering connections across cultures through communication and education.
Her life changed profoundly in early 2019, when her husband was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease which turned out to be Lewy Body Dementia. Confronted with the immense challenges of this condition, she chose active engagement and became involved in the dementia self-help movement. Since then, she has dedicated herself to supporting families, strengthening peer networks, and advocating for systemic improvements in Austria and beyond.
Friederike’s work is guided by a clear conviction: Alzheimer’s does not only affect the individual — it hits the whole family, and families need a strong network of support.

Friederike de Maeyer was elected to the Alzheimer Europe Board in June 2026.