Memory Walks are organised by Alzheimer associations around the world, with the aim of informing and educating the general public. This year, the ALA Memory Walk took place on 21 September, on World Alzheimer’s Day. Many personalities such as Mrs Corinne Cahen, the Minister of Family, as well as Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, came to show their support.
From 11:00 to 18:00, visitors were able to get information about the services offered by ALA, and about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, at the Place Clairefontain in the city centre. An Alzheimer's Café was organised, at which participants got an idea of the work that ALA is doing on a daily basis. In this relaxed atmosphere, the visitors were able to meet and connect with others, take part in various discussions, and enjoy many activities.
This year's theme was around greater acceptance and tolerance. Dementia can cause personality and behaviour changes. This complicates life, because society does not know how to react to the people living with dementia. For better integration, more respectful relationships and more tolerance, it is important to inform the public about the disease. The Memory Walk is intended to help, in this respect.
As the name suggests, the Memory Walk is above all a walk. By walking with ALA, participants showed their solidarity with people with dementia. As the weather was good, many people took part in the three tours that went from the government district to the avenue Marie-Thérèse where the Austrian era was explained to them.
In short, Luxembourg’s 2019 Memory Walk was a great success.
