Alzheimer Larissa (E.E.N.A.L), in Greece, recently carried out a series of multidisciplinary activities during World Alzheimer’s Month (September). Opening the curtain on the celebratory events, the president of E.E.N.A.L., Eleni Nifli, gave an interview on the first day of the month, to the city’s municipal radio, discussing the latest developments in prevention, new pharmaceutical treatments, and the organisation’s initiatives for people with dementia and their caregivers. The following week, she gave another interview to ERT News, focusing on disease prevention, the elimination of stigma, patients’ rights, and the lack of state funding. At the same time, a group of beneficiaries shared the benefits they have gained from non-pharmaceutical and complementary therapies. Later that week, an Open Day was held, where caregivers discussed their challenges and received guidance on self-care. Citizens of various ages were also informed about prevention, and many took part in cognitive assessment tests.
The middle section of the month saw a series of events focusing on awareness and screening activities, which took place in the communities of Evangelismos, Glafki, and the district of Agios Georgios. On World Alzheimer’s Day itself (21 September), the seventh edition of the “Mnemosyne” Walk took place, accompanied by the city’s Philharmonic Orchestra. The walk started at 8:30 pm from Tachydromeiou Square, passed through the historic city centre and the ancient theatre, and ended at the illuminated historic Frourio. The entire city centre, fountains, the ancient theatre, and the participants were bathed in purple light, spreading the messages of prevention, openness and acceptance, and the eradication of stigma. The events concluded with a reception at the “Ladokola” tavern, attended by beneficiaries, caregivers, volunteers, members of the Philharmonic Orchestra, and ‘friends of Alzheimer’s’. Companions shared conversations and laughter, whilst enjoying a meal of traditional souvlaki.