World Alzheimer Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and bring the conversation into communities. In Türkiye, the Turkish Alzheimer Association and its branches marked September 2026 with activities across the country.
Although 21 September, World Alzheimer’s Day, remains an important focal point, activities took place throughout the month. The Association worked with municipalities, universities, healthcare professionals, companies and community organisations.
In İstanbul, the Association’s headquarters organised a press conference with the support of Abdi İbrahim Otsuka. The Association’s President was interviewed on NTV, while interviews were published in Habertürk, Cumhuriyet and BirGün. She also recorded YouTube programmes with public figures including Ceyda Düvenci and İclal Aydın, bringing Alzheimer’s awareness to wider audiences.
A public Alzheimer’s awareness run was organised in Bebek with Gen İlaç, Rooners, Menta TV and HOKA. The Association also participated in a seminar and panel organised by Şişli Municipality. Awareness posters appeared on 176 Modyo screens across public transport in İstanbul and Bursa, across shopping malls in nine and airports in five different cities, extending the campaign into public spaces.
Perhaps the most significant development was the opening of İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s first Alzheimer’s Day Care and Living Centre in Maltepe, providing dedicated daytime support for people living with dementia and their families.
Turkish Alzheimer Association branches continued this community-based approach, with Marmara Branch working with Bakırköy Municipality, while Kadıköy Branch held seminars with Maltepe, Üsküdar and Yeditepe Universities.
Across Türkiye, branches organised seminars, expert discussions and community events. Ankara hosted its largest Alzheimer’s Awareness Fair, with around 27 stands and 1,300 visitors, focusing on brain health and modifiable dementia risk factors. In İzmir, expert panels, home and hospital visits and outreach activities brought Alzheimer’s awareness into local communities. Bodrum organised an art exhibition, seminars, billboards and free hearing examinations.
In collaboration with local municipalities, branches in Mersin, Bursa, Konya, Eskişehir, Manisa, Zonguldak, Samsun, Tunceli, Denizli, Van, Adana, Kayseri and Fethiye organised educational seminars as well as music, dance, theatre, poetry and arts activities.
“Together, these activities show that World Alzheimer Month is not about one day. It is about building connections, creating support and keeping dementia visible throughout the year”, said the Association.
