The Turkish Alzheimer Association had an active month this March, strengthening collaborations across academia, arts, technology, and industry.
Ageing and women
Dilek Şahinöz, President of the Turkish Alzheimer Association participated in the panel “The Gender of Aging” held on 8 March, International Women’s Day, organised by Çankaya University and its Women’s Studies Center (KADUM) in Ankara. The panel opened with remarks by Prof. Dr Zeynep Karahan Uslu and Rector Prof. Dr H. Hakan Maraş, and was moderated by Dr Esra Elmas Ete. Discussions explored the social and scientific dimensions of ageing through a multidisciplinary lens. Contributions from experts, including Dilek Şahinöz, Dr Yasin Akar, Director General of Disability and Elderly Services at the Ministry of Family and Social Services and Prof. Dr Ayşe Canatan, the Director of the Aging Studies and Research Center at Hacı Bayram Veli University and focused on how to better support and empower women throughout the ageing process using evidence-based approaches.
Menta TV collaboration
The Turkish Alzheimer Association signed a protocol to advise Menta TV, a platform designed to provide a calm and safe viewing experience for individuals living with dementia. Its specialised content aims to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and promote a more peaceful daily experience. The Association believes this collaboration will contribute to raising awareness and expanding access to innovative solutions in dementia care.
Polisan partnership
Polisan, a leading industrial company active in corporate social responsibility, engaged with the Turkish Alzheimer Association to better understand Alzheimer’s-related needs. Through meetings and a site visit to the Şişli Day Care Center, the Association emphasised the therapeutic impact of colours and the importance of maintaining aesthetics even in the advanced stages of the disease. The company generously donated art supplies and offered to repaint care centres, marking the beginning of a promising long-term partnership.
THY Airlines accessibility initiative
The Association met with the accessibility team at THY Technology to discuss the challenges of air travel for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Key topics included minimising noise and waiting times, and ensuring proximity to essential facilities. We also noticed existing services at Istanbul Airport—such as the Special Assistance Center, the Sunflower Card for hidden disabilities, and quiet areas offering more privacy and peace require greater public awareness.
Theatre and awareness
To support awareness efforts, a group visit was organised, to a theatre performance. The group attended “Apple, Labrador, Grass,” a Turkish adaptation of “In Other Words,” a British Play by Matthew Seager. The play portrays the emotional impact of early-onset Alzheimer’s on a couple’s relationship. The growing number of Alzheimer-themed plays in Istanbul reflects increasing public interest and awareness.
The Turkish Alzheimer Association remains committed to raising awareness and strengthening support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease.
