On 26 May, the Turkish Alzheimer Association officially opened its 22nd branch in Tunceli to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and support caregivers. The new branch aims to bring hope to people with dementia and their families in the region. In line with the association’s objectives, the Tunceli branch will focus on the following key activities:
• Supporting diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation processes for people with Alzheimer’s
• Advocating for the establishment of day care centres, residential care facilities, and long-term care homes
• Creating psychosocial support groups for caregivers
• Organising training programmes for healthcare professionals
• Raising public awareness through brochures, books, media broadcasts, and digital content
• Contributing to academic research by collecting local health data.
The opening ceremony was attended by the President of the Turkish Alzheimer Association, Dilek Şahinöz, Corporate Communications Coordinator, Arzu Kartum, representatives from the Tunceli provincial Directorate of national education and the provincial Directorate of family and social services, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and many citizens. The importance of early diagnosis, strengthening care processes, and the continuity of social support were emphasised during the speeches. Dilek Şahinöz stated: “Today’s opening is more than the launch of a branch, it’s a powerful step for awareness and community solidarity. Alzheimer’s patients and their families in this region now have stronger support mechanisms.”
The funding members of the Tunceli branch are Hanife Bozkurt, Hande Polat, and Elif Gündüz Bilge. The branch is chaired by Elif Gündüz Bilge, who shared during her speech: “It all started with just three of us, Hanife, Hande, and myself. And today, we are becoming a big family.” Initial steps toward establishing the branch began with the “Act for Alzheimer’s” meetings held on 7-8 June 2024, as part of the Alz-Bilinç project, supported by the Sabancı Foundation. The events attracted students, teachers, health officials, and the Tunceli Governorate’s protocol members. The initiative was led by Prof. Dr Başar Bilgiç, Chair of the Association’s Medical Board. Following discussions with the Tunceli Foundation for education and health on 20 January 2025, a medical screening was conducted by a team from Istanbul Medical Faculty on 15 April 2025. The Tunceli Branch aims to bring a more structured and sustainable approach to Alzheimer-related services in the region. Its goal is to build community-based support systems in collaboration with healthcare professionals, volunteers, and caregivers.
