As in previous years, this year Spominčica – Alzheimer Slovenia once again organised and participated in numerous activities during World Alzheimer’s Month, aimed at raising awareness and providing information about dementia. On 11 September, Spominčica was invited to the 18th Health in Eastern Europe & Central Asia meeting. During the online gathering of the Working Group on Health in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, current developments in the health sector across these regions were discussed. Štefanija L. Zlobec, President of Spominčica, presented the organisation’s activities focused on improving dementia management at both the national and European levels. On 17 September, Spominčica members also participated in the Public Forum on Alzheimer’s disease as part of the 15th International Conference on Brain Energy Metabolism, titled "Brain Bioenergetics in Aging – Neurovascular and Neurometabolic Coupling and Fuels."
Participants from Spominčica were:
• Štefanija L. Zlobec, president of Spominčica – Alzheimer Slovenia
• Dr Milica Gregorič Kramberger, MD, Specialist in Neurology
• Assist. dr Polona Rus Prelog, MD, Specialist in Psychiatry
• Božidar Voljč, MD, Specialist in Family Medicine, President of the Medical Ethics Commission of the Republic of Slovenia.
The forum was opened by dr Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, who also highlighted the good cooperation with Spominčica, which had trained the staff of the Office of the President of Slovenia. The office is also a Dementia-Friendly Point, established by Spominčica.
On 21 September, Spominčica organised the traditional Memory Walk in Ljubljana. The gathering took place at the National Gallery of Slovenia. Following the opening speech by Štefanija L. Zlobec, a cultural programme was held, featuring performances by members of the Fužine Activity Center. After the cultural programme, Spominčica went to the City Hall, where they were welcomed by representatives of the City of Ljubljana. This year’s Memory Walk in Ljubljana was again held under the honorary patronage of Zoran Janković, Mayor of Ljubljana.
On 25 September, the National Museum of Slovenia (Muzejska ulica) joined the Dementia-Friendly Points (DPT) network. The new Dementia Friendly Point was established at Muzejska ulica in Ljubljana and on this occasion, speeches were delivered by the museum's director, Mateja Kos Zabel, and Štefanija L. Zlobec. The event was enriched by a heart-warming cultural performance by children from the dr France Prešeren kindergarten. Representatives from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, museum employees, and residents of the DEOS Senior Center in Notranje Gorice, which is also a Dementia Friendly Point, were among the attendees. Spominčica thanks the National Museum of Slovenia for opening its doors and increasing accessibility for people with dementia.
