The members of the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders organised many successful events to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month this year. Throughout Greece, speeches, festivals, memory walks, informational stands, free memory tests and many more awareness activities were hosted by Alzheimer’s associations across the country.
Alzheimer Athens held its 3rd Alzheimer’s Festival with great success at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens. This years’ motto was “Dementia. We give the right stigma!”. Thousands of people visited the festival, memory tests and a series of activities and events were conducted to inform, raise awareness and entertain adults and children alike. The Greek Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis attended the event, alongside other stakeholders. Professor Magda Tsolaki, Chair of the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders was present too and spoke with participants. Alzheimer Athens also carried out informational activities in Peiraias, Neo Irakleio, Thrakomakedones and Arta. The association “Nestor” held an interesting photography exhibition and the integrated Alzheimer’s and Related Disease Unit of the “Apostoli” association conducted free memory tests for participants over 60 , at the elderly open care centres of Mandra-Idyllia, Athens, Florina and other towns around Greece.
Alzheimer Hellas organised a successful informative event called “Talk with the experts about dementia”, at the Archaeological Museum in Thessaloniki, which focused on prevention factors and useful ways to cope with the disease. A Memory Walk took place, with attendees holding balloons and marching through the main streets of the city, ending at the well-known sculpture "Umbrellas" which was illuminated in honour of World Alzheimer’s Day. Alzheimer Hellas also held informational stands in "Balkan Square", for a week in Menemeni square, and in the Youth Volunteering Festival "Connected we stand". Memory tests were also carried out in the city centre together with City College and the YMCA, while speeches were made at the “17th Festival Art4.” Several other informative speeches were also conducted in towns close to Thessaloniki, such as Serres, Trilofos, N. Triglia, Ierissos.
Frontizo association organised an informative event in Patra entitled "Dementia-Let’s talk openly”, and co-organised an intergenerational workshop with creative activities and games that were exciting for both younger and older participants. They also screened a motion picture about the disease.
Alzheimer’s Larissa launched an information campaign with the motto "Erase the stigma, stay strong, stay united". Information stands, speeches and public awareness visits peaked with the 6th Memory Walk in Larissa, which took place in a festive and encouraging atmosphere.
REMIND-Alzheimer Chalkidas’ association gave a presentation on the radio station of the Holy Metropolis of Chalkida and participated in the Alzheimer Athens Dementia Festival, as well asan event called “Prevention Paths” in Chalkida, featuring four esteemed doctors who discussed cognitive development, brain and heart health. Various memory and behavioural symptoms were highlighted to prompt individuals, especially those over 55, to seek professional advice to protect their memory and mental health. This years’ activities underscored the vital role of community support in addressing Alzheimer’s disease.
SOFPSI association carried out a 3-day festival called “Let's make mental health and dementia a priority for all" to celebrate World Alzheimer's Day and World Mental Health Day 2024 in Serres. A true celebration of information, prevention and awareness through a multitude of parallel actions addressed to children, teenagers, adults and elderly people in a continuous in vivo interaction.
EPSEP association gave a speech on prevention and primary symptoms entitled “Learning about dementia - the importance of physical and mental health” in Ioannina. an informational stand and media coverage contributed to their campaign.
Alzheimer's Association Panakeia carried out blood-pressure tests and memory tests on World Alzheimer’s Day, in the centre of Rhodes to promote the importance of healthy living.
The Day Care Center of Alzheimer Hellas in Katerini organised an interesting, informative speech about dementia prevention and on diagnosis and treatment services provided by the structure.