Golnaz Atefi is a dementia researcher affiliated with Maastricht University and University College London. In October 2024, she attended the Alzheimer Europe Conference in a unique way to present her PhD findings She skated over 1,000 km from the north of the Netherlands to the conference in Geneva to raise awareness about dementia. Along the journey, she interviewed many healthcare professionals and community members with the aim of bridging research and community to promote dementia awareness as part of the #RollingforDementia campaign. She wrote the following words about the campaign and about her experience of the journey and attending the conference: "I believe that any effort toward dementia awareness is valuable and essential, especially given the significant knowledge gaps that exist. However, awareness campaigns are likely to have a greater impact when they focus on building connections and promoting a sense of togetherness, as we are all in this together. The epic journey of skating 1,000 km as part of the Rolling for Dementia campaign has gathered a valuable collection of perspectives, knowledge, memories, and photographs from many healthcare professionals, community members, and stakeholders. "Part of this effort included raising awareness through educational content across various social media channels.
A video created as part of the campaign was released during the Alzheimer Europe conference and featured in the plenary session on October 10. It was one of the highlights of my career to see the video showcasing the connections among all the interviewees and conveying the powerful message of the importance of inclusivity in dementia care and research. "The overwhelming support the campaign received has led to new connections and interest from professionals and people with lived experience who wish to share their stories for dementia awareness. As a result, the campaign will extend into next year, and I will continue skating. I am enthusiastic about the new knowledge and adventures ahead, and we are considering engaging initiatives such as photo galleries, educational booklets, and more videos. I am grateful to Alzheimer Europe for their support in promoting this campaign, and I look forward to presenting further findings from both my research and the campaign." Alzheimer Europe congratulates Golnaz and her team on this incredible feat and was delighted to highlight the Rolling for Dementia campaign by screening a video at the start of the fourth plenary session of the event. You can view the video, here: https://youtu.be/nJcHHTlJz4Y