Following a remarkably busy World Alzheimer Month in September, the Türkiye Alzheimer Association's branches carried their enthusiasm into October, continuing to raise awareness and engage their communities.
The most significant development came from Kayseri, where the Naciye-Ramazan Büyükkılıç and Daughters Alzheimer Active Living Centre officially opened on 14 October 2026. Established through the collaboration of Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality and philanthropic donors, under a protocol involving the Kayseri Governorship and the Provincial Directorates of Family and Social Services and Health, the centre marks an important step towards expanding community-based dementia care and support.
In Denizli, the branch celebrated the International Day of Older Persons with a nursing home visit and activities promoting active ageing. The programme featured a nostalgic journey through beloved Yeşilçam classics, Türkiye's golden era of cinema, accompanied by the Emektarlar Rhythm Group, a unique local initiative encouraging older people to remain active and socially engaged.
Meanwhile, the Mersin branch took Alzheimer's awareness onto the football pitch. At a special match organised by Mini Futbol Mersin, three generations came together, with grandparents, parents and children sharing the field. Livestreamed on Mini Futbol Türkiye's YouTube channel, the match featured players carrying a banner reading "Early Diagnosis, More Memories." This creative initiative helped the Association reach new audiences.
In Manisa, World Animal Day on 4 October brought children, older people and animals together in an intergenerational event celebrating companionship and connection. The branch also reported promising progress towards establishing a dementia day care centre. The Association hopes to contribute through a cooperation protocol and carry out its activities there.
These initiatives illustrate how the Association's branches continue to turn awareness into action, strengthening community connections and working towards much-needed dementia care services beyond World Alzheimer Month.
