The project successfully completed a regional initiative exploring the knowledge, attitudes and needs of older adults regarding memory problems and dementia across Central Greece. The initiative was implemented by the Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders of Chalkida (REMIND) and funded by the Region of Central Greece through the Regional Social Inclusion Observatory.
The initiative delivered 38 community actions across 29 urban, rural and remote areas, reaching more than 1,800 older adults and family caregivers. Additionally, 340 memory assessments were conducted, supporting early identification and access to services.
To assess dementia literacy, participants completed the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool (DKAT-2), complemented by caregiver focus groups exploring challenges, misconceptions and educational needs.
The project identified important gaps in awareness, particularly in early recognition of cognitive decline, caregiver support and access to services in geographically remote areas. These findings highlight the need for stronger integration of dementia awareness, early detection and psychosocial support within community-based health and social care systems, and an improved coordination between primary and specialist care to reduce diagnostic delays and caregiver burden.
Beyond the regional context, the project demonstrates the value of structured needs assessments as a policy instrument for informing healthy and active ageing strategies and addressing inequalities in dementia care. Its methodology is transferable to other European regions facing similar demographic and service challenges.
The mapping initiative was designed and implemented by the Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders of Chalkida (REMIND), with funding from the Region of Central Greece. It has since been recognized as a Good Practice within the European FABCOM project, in which the Region of Central Greece participates alongside European partners and REMIND contributes as a regional stakeholder, supporting exchange and dissemination of community-based dementia care approaches across Europe.
Mapping initiative
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxBjftMDt-A
https://www.alzheimer-chalkida.org/chartografisi-anagkon-mnimis-stin-triti-ilikia/
FABCOM project
https://www.interregeurope.eu/fabcom
REMIND
