On 20 September, in order to mark World Alzheimer's Day, the Serbian Society for Alzheimer Disease (SUAB), held a Public Forum with members of SUAB, professionals working with people with dementia and their families, and members of the general public. The event was opened by Nevena Dodić, Deputy President of the Stari Grad Municipality, who highlighted the efforts made to support senior citizens. The Deputy Ambassador of Spain,Dario Otero Castro, also attended the event to support SUAB’s work, and Vera Kondev, a retired journalist living with dementia, thanked him on behalf of those living with dementia.
Dr Aleksandra Milićević Kalašic from the Institute for Gerontology spoke about the importance of early diagnosis, recognising the symptoms and managing dementia risk factors. Slavica Stuparušić, a journalist from national newspaper “Politika” and daughter of a mother with dementia, shared her experience of her mother’s early symptoms, family denial, and the negative effects of prescribed benzodiazepines. She emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate medication, also discussing the financial strain: “We spend 10,000 to 15,000 dinars monthly for diapers and medication, as my mother doesn't qualify for insurance-covered diapers because she's mobile.”
Slavka Nikolić from the City Centre for Social Work discussed the rights on social protection, focusing on procedures for home assistance and placement in public old-age care homes. Ljiljana Nestorović from the association “Bread of Life” stressed the importance of their support programme for people living with dementia and their families. Nadežda Satarić, the president of SUAB, highlighted her organisation’s advocacy efforts and the work of members of the “Network Humanus” to improve the position of people with dementia and their families, calling for a national strategy for dementia and urging local governments to provide support services. She also emphasised the need for dementia awareness and stigma reduction.
Family members shared their stories, emphasising challenges and lack of support from social services and sharing their experiences openly, which has previously been a rare occurrence in Serbia. Also at the event, findings from the World Alzheimer Report 2024 were shared by Alzheimer’s Disease International (AD). The event concluded with music from the “Bread of Life” association, to highlight the importance of social activities for dementia prevention.
