1 October is celebrated all over the world as the International Day of Older Persons, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia announced October as the "Month for Older Persons". Alzheimer’s Care Armenia (ACA) joined the campaign to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle for older people and under the clinical direction of Dr Jane Mahakian, ACA's Brain Health Project was thrilled to launch a new initiative, Memory Café Yerevan, on 5 October. This was the first ever Memory Café in Yerevan and had a unique programme, with one main purpose: to bring people together. This free community outreach initiative aimed to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive place for individuals experiencing memory loss, as well as for their carers, and a relaxed and friendly place to enjoy a chat, light-hearted activities and some tea and cake. Activities included education, music, walks, arts and other specially designed cognitive activities. Memory Café Yerevan was facilitated by a trained psychologist, a social worker and a clinical nurse. “Keeping positive social connections as well as engaging in cognitive activities is key to helping slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease” said Dr Mahakian. The main goal of ACA is to increase the awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. You can get acquainted with its Brain Health Project, by visiting the ACA website: https://alzheimers.am/, and by following @AlzheimersCareArmenia on Facebook and LinkedIn.
