The Faroese Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimerfelagið) marked a dual milestone at the Nordic House in Tórshavn, hosting a comprehensive conference to observe World Alzheimer’s Day and celebrate 25 years of advocacy since its founding in 2001.
The academic programme focused on dementia status, dementia language and research. Dementia psychologist Anneke Dapper Skaaning addressed rhetoric and prejudices surrounding dementia, and Unn Justinussen, Board Member of Alzheimerfelagið, presented a proposed framework for municipal dementia services, centred on municipal dementia coordinators. The symposium also highlighted recent academic studies, including a PhD study on caregiver "masking" and research into the systemic pressures facing Faroese relatives of people with dementia.
The evening programme focused on lived experiences through deeply personal interviews. Prominent F.C. Copenhagen founder Flemming Østergaard spoke candidly about his late wife, who recently passed away from Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, Faroese musician Stanley Samuelsen and his wife, Merete Messman, detailed their daily reality; Samuelsen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's five years ago and continues to actively perform on stage.
International cooperation was emphasised via a video address from Birgitte Vølund, chairperson of the Danish Alzheimer's Association, recognised for her pivotal role in educating Faroese dementia coordinators. Attendees also viewed the documentary “Birita”, directed by Búi Egason Dam. Following theatre legend Birita Mohr’s battle with severe Alzheimer’s as her son casts her in King Lear, the film is now nominated for the 2026 Nordic Council Film Prize.
To commemorate its 25th Anniversary, Alzheimerfelagið released a new anniversary book about the association’s journey since its founding in 2001, including personal stories, illustrating how the organisation has effectively "given a voice to the silence" surrounding dementia in past years.
The event concluded with the surprise elevation of Sigrun Mohr to honorary member. Ms Mohr established the association in 2001 together with several others. Following a multi-decade tenure as Chairperson and Coordinator, until her retirement last year, Sigrun Mohr attended the conference as an unsuspecting audience member before receiving the honour for her foundational public health advocacy work.
The conference attracted a large audience, generating significant attention in the Faroese media, also sparking a discussion about dementia services in the Faroese Parliament the following day. In that sense, one of the conference’s most important goals was clearly achieved: raising awareness and improving public understanding of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
