Two months full of successful events were organised by the members of the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders in order to celebrate the World Alzheimer's Month (WAM) 2023. Throughout Greece, speeches, festivals, memory walks, informational stands, free memory tests and many more awareness activities were hosted by the Alzheimer’s associations.
Athens
“Alzheimer Athens” organised the 1st Alzheimer’s festival with great success at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. More than 3,500 people visited the festival, 300 memory tests were conducted and also an informational speech. The Greek Minister of Health attended the event and called dementia a "national issue". He committed to promote the draft law to defend the rights of people with dementia and their carers as well as the full implementation of the National Action Plan on Dementia-Alzheimer's. Finally, he announced the establishment of a National Alzheimer's Council. At the end, there was a performance by a famous stand-up comedian who highlighted her message “Live your life and don't be afraid of illness. Only fear makes it stronger". Alzheimer Athens also carried out informational activities in Peiraias, Neo Irakleio, Thrakomakedones and the city of Arta. The association “Nestor” held a successful informative all-day session entitled “A hug for Alzheimer’s” at the conservatory of Athens. The association “Karreleio” held speeches, informative stand and free memory tests.
Thessaloniki
“Alzheimer Hellas” organised a successful theatre performance entitled "21" by the theatre group of Alzheimer Hellas - Agia Eleni (the group was created in 2013 from beneficiaries - the group has presented eight plays, performing ten shows in five different theatres with the participation of over 30 actors). 300 people enjoyed the evening promoting the motto "Never too early, never too late!" Alzheimer Hellas also held informational stands in "Balkan Square" for a week, in Menemeni square and at the Youth Volunteering Festival "Connected we stand". Speeches and memory tests were also carried out in Thessaloniki and in the city of Giannitsa in collaboration with health structures and public libraries.
Crete
In Heraklion, the “ALLILENGII” Association for Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging hosted a festive event at the Cultural Center of Heraklion on the occasion of completing five years since the first screening of the multi award-winning film REMEMBER ME, a film dedicated to carers of people with dementia, and its social impact.
Chania
The Alzheimer’s Association in Chania held an all-day scientific event aimed at informing and raising public awareness on the ethical, legal and social issues that arise after the initial diagnosis of the disease.
Patra
Τhe “Frontizo” association organised an informative event entitled "Creating accessible services for dementia" and co-organised an intergenerational workshop with creative activities and games enjoyed by both young and elderly participants.
Larissa
Alzheimer’s Larissa fulfilled the 5th Memory Walk called “Mnemosyne”. The Walk constitutes an institution and a top festive event for the city. The Memory Walk consisted of the members of the Board of Directors, and accompanied by the music sounds of the Philharmonic, in the light of the purple fountains and hundreds of purple balloons that flew over the crowd of beneficiaries, volunteers, Dementia Friends and others. The event ended with a reception, within the historical site of the fortress. The aftermath of the Memory Walk was positive, due to the large crowd and huge promotion from the electronic media. A press conference, prior to the event, was given to the Thessalian TV and radio media, regarding the new developments around the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, pointing out that prevention is the most important tool for reducing the prevalence of dementia.
Chalkida
REMIND-Alzheimer Chalkidas association carried out various awareness-raising actions and open discussions in health structures. Free memory tests and a campaign to promote a new healthy ageing workshop for people over 60 were successfully carried out.
Ioannina
The association ”EPSEP” held a speech on the benefits of physiotherapy in dementia, conducted free memory tests, gave information to the public about dementia and blood sugar measurement and took part in the 5km race of the Ioannina Lake Run with the motto "We run for dementia".
Rhodes
The “Alzheimer's Association Panakeia” carried out diet, physical exercise and social and spiritual activities. Also blood/pressure tests and memory tests on WAD in the center of the city to promote the importance of healthy living.
Serres
The association ”SOFPSI” included in the 15th Festival for Mental Health memory tests on people over the age of 60.
Katerini
The Day Care Center of Alzheimer Hellas organised a speech and a liaison action at two health care facilities and a two-day information action for citizens in the main town square.
Kozani
Τhe Day Care Center of Nestor held an information event for the local community in the central town square, a speech and a visit of staff members and beneficiaries to a kindergarten school.