Alzheimer Larissa Greece (ΕΕΝΑΛ) continues its work to raise awareness on dementia issues while also encouraging community development, where people with dementia live well and feel secure. As part of this work, the association has now included the police force in dementia sensitivity training. The General Regional Police Authority of Thessaly agreed on a series of educational seminars. Three separate groups, 96 officers in total, participated in the introductory 4-hour training in Larissa Police Headquarters during November and December 2019. The training programme was carried out by a number of instructors: Georgia Xiromerisiou, Assistant Professor of Neurology from the University of Thessaly; Artemissia-Phoebe Nifli, Neuroscientist and Scientific Advisor of ΕΕΝΑΛ; Kyriaki Giota, Psychologist and volunteer; Ioannis Pagitsas, Neurologist and Vice President of ΕΕΝΑΛ; and Eleni Kamboura-Nifli, President of ΕΕΝΑΛ.
Each instructor presented different aspects of dementia, and applied a unique approach. In order to actively engage those attending, seminars began with an interactive module. The clear message was that dementia does not only affect memory, but also a variety of cognitive functions. Specific topics were discussed, such as behavioural and psychological symptoms, knowledge on dementia, social stigma, and the rights of people with dementia. By examining real cases of the people “wandering”, it was concluded that officials and relatives should perform a thorough work when creating a personal profile or when completing a missing person form, and these efforts would ensure a rapid and safe recovery. It was acknowledged that dementia is not simply part of normal ageing. It was also explained that focusing on one’s history, abilities and preferences, rather than keeping the focus on memory loss, is essential for people with dementia in order to achieve a good quality of life. Police officers found the seminar very beneficial in increasing their understanding of how to interact with people with dementia and to better support them as members of the community. The General Regional Police Authority of Thessaly now wants to extend the training, together with ΕΕΝΑΛ, to the three other prefectures (Karditsa, Trikala and Magnesia).
