We were very sad to learn of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Krister Westerlund, who died suddenly from heart failure on 16 May 2020 at the age of 75. He was at home with his wife of 54 years, Kristina. Krister, a former politician, was Chairman of Alzheimer Sverige (Alzheimer Sweden) for the past 19 years and spent a total of 25 years working in the field of dementia advocacy, speaking up for the rights of people living with dementia and their carers, and supporting research. His father, mother-in-law and father-in-law all passed away from dementia and he felt his work with Alzheimer Sweden was his “calling” in life.
Krister Westerlund is survived by his wife Kristina, with whom he has worked side-by-side at Alzheimer Sverige; by two daughters, one of whom, Karin, also works at Alzheimer Sverige and is an Alzheimer Europe Board member; by two grandchildren and by many close friends in the wider dementia community. A firm believer in working together for better outcomes for people with dementia and carers both in Sweden and across Europe, he will be remembered as an incredible advocate, as well as for his warmth, his sense of humour and his personable approach. We at Alzheimer Europe will sorely miss him.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Kristina, Karin and to all of Krister’s family, friends and colleagues.
