This September, for World Alzheimer’s Month, NVO Futura, an Association based in Podgorica, Montenegro and working on behalf of those with Alzheimer’s and related diseases, organised a number of activities both in the capital city of Podgorica and also in the north and south of the country.
21 September: In Kotor, in the south of Montenegro, working together with the local council and also with the local home for the elderly, a gathering was organised. An information stand was set up and local passers-by were given the opportunity to be informed about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Information flyers were distributed, surveys were carried out with the public and also people could take part in tests for recognition of early signs of dementia.
22 September: In the morning, in collaboration with the City of Podgorica and many other organisations and volunteers, the first Memory Walk of Montenegro (pictured) was organised to show support for people with dementia and their families. Many people participated in this walk including young volunteers, NGOs and members of a pensioner’s association. Also, medical staff from the public health institution, “Primary Health Care Centre, Podgorica" participated by measuring blood sugar and blood pressure. Along the route, there was an information centre, flyers were distributed, mini-tests were organised and surveys were taken. Local media and television broadcast the event live. Overall the first Memory Walk was a huge success.
23 September: In the North of Montenegro, in Bijelo Polje, again in partnership with a local home for the elderly, a presentation was organised to inform people about dementia.
25 September: In Niksic, located in the centre of Montenegro, a presentation about dementia was organised in a day care centre for the elderly, with collaboration from partners in the local centre for social work. During the month of September, NVO Futura was also part of mobility week and played chess, table tennis and promoted a healthy lifestyle. NVO Futura’s main campaign this year was “Let’s Talk about Dementia”. The message is that dementia can affect all of us, so we need to talk about dementia and learn to recognise the symptoms on time.
