First established in 1997 in Istanbul, the Turkish Alzheimer Association has grown into a network of 22 branches across the country.
The Association’s Denizli and Mersin branches celebrated their 26th and 20th anniversaries, respectively, in April 2026. Both branches are recognised as leading authorities on Alzheimer’s in their cities and enjoy strong support from local media, NGOs, government bodies, and academic institutions. Heartfelt congratulations to Hülya Eryılmaz, Prof. Dr. Aynur Özge, and their dedicated teams for their continued success.
In another important development, a protocol was signed with the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Disability Unit to transform a “Horticultural Garden” into a “Therapy Garden”, a specialised rehabilitation area for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. Congratulations to Belgin Karavas for this meaningful initiative (pictured).
With the support of the local mayor, the Manisa branch organised an art exhibition showcasing the work of people living with dementia. Congratulations to Prof. Dr. Hatice Mavioğlu and her team for highlighting creativity and dignity through art.
The two newest branches, Bodrum and Tunceli, have also been very active, organising social and educational events that engage the public. It is truly impressive to see their ability to connect with local leaders and authorities, while also striking a thoughtful balance between education and activities that bring joy—such as dance, music, and art.
The Main Office of the Turkish Alzheimer Association focuses on advocacy and awareness, taking a top-down approach. However, it is the bottom-up efforts of local branches that give this work real meaning, relevance, and impact.
“As we celebrate their achievements and express our deep gratitude for their dedication and commitment, we also look forward to expanding into new cities where we are not yet represented”, said the Association.
