A brilliantly sunny September day in Rome guaranteed the success of World Alzheimer’s Day this year, with its many celebratory events. As in the past years, Alzheimer Uniti Roma, together with both younger and older volunteers, organised a table in one of the historic piazzas in the centre of Rome, giving out brochures and information…and T-shirts and violets!
Earlier that day, the president of the association, together with a psychologist, led a group of people with dementia, together with their caregivers, on a visit to the Botanical Gardens, a place of peace and greenery in the heart of Trastevere. This contact with nature, with extraordinary trees, flowering shrubs and sweet-smelling plants was very stimulating for the group, both physically and socially, and was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce.
Later, in the piazza, there were throngs of Romans going to and fro, including some actors (such as the famous Inspector Montalbano actor, Luca Zingaretti) who attracted a small crowd. Tourists stopped to talk and interact with the volunteers. The day ended with the usual concert of the Carabinieri, creating a wonderful atmosphere of solidarity, giving hope for a better future in a dementia-friendly community.
