Spominčica - Alzheimer Slovenija started World Alzheimer's Month with the support of two members of the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD), Tomaž Gržinič (Slovenia), and Miha Kastelic (Czech Republic) who came to visit his relatives in Ljubljana. On 3 September, the association held the opening of its 150 “Dementia friendly spot” (DPT), at the National Institute for Public Health (NIJZ). Mr Gržinič and Mr Kastelic addressed the audience, 50 employees of NIJZ from the Institute’s offices across Slovenia.
Tomaž, with his always positive attitude, said:
"It is very important to realise you have problems with memory and address these problems, go to the doctor, and have a chance to organise your life. To me, it means a lot to have the support of Spominčica. I've realised I should not be alone, so I've joined sports and social activities. Being with people helps me. Such public-awareness-raising campaigns help all persons living with dementia, so their community accepts them. It is much easier when you don't need to explain about the disease and they accept you as you are. I can even joke about my problems sometimes."
Miha said he is very impressed to see how the community in Slovenia is becoming dementia-friendly, with initiatives such as these Dementia friendly spots. He also stressed the importance for persons with dementia and their families to have understanding, support and acceptance among people they live with, and also in society. The DPT opening was followed by a social event, where everyday problems of families living with dementia were discussed.
The following week, on 9 September, the NIJZ, the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and Spominčica organised a meeting of experts on "The Status and Challenges of Alzheimer's disease in Slovenia". Speakers were: the main Slovenian medical experts on dementia; representatives of the Ministry of Health; and representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. Spominčica presented the challenges caregivers are facing, and addressed the gaps in the healthcare and social care system. The meeting also included a round-table with Slovenian MEPs Romana Tomc, Klemen Grošelj and Milan Brglez, who are all members of the European Alzheimer's Alliance.
A press conference was held on World Alzheimer's Day, at the Medical Chamber of Slovenia, involving Miha Kastelic (EWGPWD), Polona Rus Prelog (University psychiatric clinic Ljubljana), Štefanija Zlobec (Spominčica), Dr Zdenka Čebašek Travnik (Medical Chamber), Prof. Zvezdan Pirtošek (Medical faculty) and Dr Milica Gregorič Kramberger (University medical center Ljubljana). They discussed the importance of timely diagnosis, post-diagnostic support for patients and families, the importance of continuing education about dementia, and the need to adopt the Long-term care Act. Miha informed the audience that he is a 46-year-old economist and father of three underage children. He expressed his satisfaction that he received a timely diagnosis. He said that this meant that he was able to start taking dementia drugs early on, which slow the progression of the disease. Dr Kramberger presented the positive results of the phase II clinical study Adamant. The press conference was followed by the opening of the 160 Dementia friendly spot at the Medical Chamber of Slovenia. All major Slovenian press and TV outlets reported about the event.
Pictured: Miha speaking to Slovenian television (left); World Alzheimer's Day press conference (right)
