For three consecutive days, a door-to-door information campaign took place around the neighboring districts with the distribution of printed material on the 10 warning signs of dementia, the 12 risk factors, the stigma and the post-diagnostic care of an Alzheimer patient.
On 6 September, members and beneficiaries of Alzheimer Larissa (EENAL), in Greece, attended the theatre performance “Angela Papazoglou”, in the context of the celebration of 100 years since the Asia Minor catastrophe. At the end of the performance, the members educated the attendees about dementia, they distributed purple balloons, conversed and took pictures with the leading actress and MP Anna Vagena.
On 7-20 September, an information campaign took place, aimed at employees and consumers of popular city markets as well as elderly citizens.
On 16 September, Eleni Nifli, president of EENAL, was invited to speak at the local radio station, informing the public about the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, stigma, post-diagnostic care, caregiver support and the creation of care facilities. An Alzheimer’s patient, Rena Siri also talked about the organisation’s work, encouraging the citizens to visit EENAL, for a free screening. On 21 September (World’s Alzheimer’s Day), the citizens had the opportunity to join the 4th annual Memory Walk called “Mnemosini” that took place in the city streets, starting from the main city square. The city streets were dressed in purple colors, including the Ancient Theater’s lights, city fountains, purple balloons and of course, the citizen’s purple clothing. Larissa Municipal Conservatory of Music accompanied the event with beautiful pieces of music (pictured). The walk was joined by EENAL administration, members and patrons of the organisation, and esteemed members of the local community, as well.
The event was covered by the local media and Mrs Nifli gave a press conference, calling all local organisations to join their efforts against ignorance and stigma, and to help them meet the needs of Alzheimer’s patients and carers, with the establishment of more care facilities. Thessaly’s Vice-Regional Governor and the Deputy Mayor also gave a speech, supporting EENAL’s work and efforts. All guests joined the EENAL’s administration for dinner. Conclusively, all the activities planned by EENAL were deemed successful, as was apparent from the great turnout at the Memory Walk.
