On 20 September, the Association Luxembourg Alzheimer (ala) organised the 24th edition of its annual Memory Walk, on Place Clairefontaine in Luxembourg City. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., visitors were able to learn about the services offered by the ala, as well as finding out more about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, at various information stands. In a friendly atmosphere, they also had the opportunity to chat, meet new people and take part in numerous discussions. In addition to the information and food stands, a varied programme of entertainment punctuated the day, with concerts by Jukebox, Les Gavroches, Voices International and MIL-Chouer, an inclusive choir bringing together people with and without dementia – including some residents from ‘Beim Goldknapp’ residential and care home.
The warm atmosphere and sunny weather contributed to the success of the event. The walk allowed participants to show their solidarity with people living with dementia. Accompanied by a guide from the Luxembourg City Tourist Office, participants walked to Place Guillaume II, the Grand-Ducal Palace and the Chamber of Deputies before taking the panoramic lift at the Luxembourg City Museum down to the Corniche. As in 2024, the theme of this edition was: ‘A thought for those who forget’. A phrase that reflects the realities experienced by people with dementia, fragmented conversations, loss of words, gradual fading of memories.
The ala wishes to raise awareness of the need to build an inclusive society, where those affected are neither excluded nor invisible, but recognised and integrated. The symbol of thought (the flower) was used in various forms: solidarity stickers, decorations for the Memory Walk and gifts for visitors to the ala’s residential and care home in Erpeldange-sur-Sûre. The organisation also had the honour of welcoming Max Hahn, Minister for Family, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception, who kindly attended this year's Memory Walk.