In connection with World Alzheimer’s Day, all counties in Norway present the Dementia Award of the Year. The award may go to professionals, organisations, or private individuals. Anyone can nominate a candidate and explain why that person/organisation deserves the Award. I learned that Kjell would receive this year’s Award two weeks before the actual ceremony, so that he could prepare a thankyou speech. The Dementia Choir, of which Kjell is a member, rehearses on Tuesdays, and they were given the honour of singing a couple of songs before the Award presentation (they knew nothing beforehand). I also did not know who had nominated him. World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 was marked with a seminar featuring many important presentations. There were about 100 participants, and everything was streamed so that professionals around the country could follow the seminar from their workplaces on Teams. It turned out that the board of the Gjøvik Dementia Association had nominated Kjell.
Gjøvik Dementia Association statement
“Today we have the pleasure of honouring a person who has made a truly special difference – not only for himself and his loved ones, but for society as a whole. This year’s recipient of the Dementia Award has shown us that it is possible to live a good, active, and meaningful life – also with Alzheimer’s.” From the start, Kjell chose to be open about his diagnosis. With warmth, humour, and a contagious joy of life, he has met both acquaintances and strangers with a smile and the remark: “I know I know you, but I can’t quite remember your name.” This openness, combined with courage, has invited others to meet dementia with understanding and respect. Kjell is a devoted choir singer, a soloist with a spark in his eye, and a spreader of joy during rehearsals. When he had to give up his driver’s license, he found new paths – quite literally – as an e-cyclist. Together with his wife Liv, he has appeared in several media outlets, showing that openness and activity are the keys to a good life, even with Alzheimer’s. Through his positive outlook and commitment, Kjell has become a role model. His story reminds us that it is not the diagnosis that defines the person, but how one chooses to live with it. We are delighted and proud that the Dementia Award 2025 has been presented to Kjell Schlytter.
Kjell’s thankyou speech
This honour feels both unusual and deeply gratifying. I was informed a couple of weeks ago that I would be receiving the Dementia Award of the Year – but, true to form, I had forgotten. To be chosen for this award is truly overwhelming, and I will need some time to fully absorb what it means. It has been twelve years since I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, yet the diagnosis has not prevented me from living a good and meaningful life. I still feel like the same person I have always been, enjoying the same things and living as normally as possible, even though I forget things quickly. This does not trouble me, because I am content in the present moment. I remain active in many ways: I enjoy cycling, going to the cinema and concerts, and singing in the Dementia Choir. My wife and I also travel a lot – next month we will attend the annual European Alzheimer’s Conference in Bologna, and last year we were in Geneva. I am fortunate to have a large family and many good friends, and I would like to thank everyone who accepts me as I am and does not mind when I tell the same story several times. A special word of gratitude goes to my daughter, Siv, and to my wife, Liv, who keep track of me and my appointments, and ensure that I get to where I need to be. My heartfelt thanks for this award!