On 21 September, World Alzheimer’s Day, Dementia Lithuania organised an online seminar exploring the journey from recognising the first signs of dementia to navigating the period following diagnosis. The event was facilitated and curated by Ieva Petkutė, founder of Dementia Lithuania and initiator of the TADAM Network of Dementia-Friendly Museums. More than 1,500 people from across Lithuania watched the seminar live, highlighting the strong need for accessible information about dementia, diagnosis and support.
The seminar brought together medical, social care and lived-experience perspectives. Dr Jūratė Macijauskienė, geriatrician, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), discussed early signs of dementia and the diagnostic process. Dr Greta Najūtė, neurologist and Head of the Centre for Memory and Other Cognitive Disorders at LSMU Kaunas Clinics, addressed dementia risk and emphasised the importance of distinguishing dementia from normal ageing.
A panel discussion focused on “Steps After Diagnosis”, bringing together Dr Arūnas Vaitkevičius, neurologist at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics and Associate Professor at Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Ramunė Mazaliauskienė, psychiatrist and psychotherapist and President of the Lithuanian Psychiatric Association, Miglė Maniušytė, Deputy Director for Social Work at Fabijoniškės Social Services Centre, and Aurelija Babinskienė, Senior Adviser at the Agency for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The professional perspectives were complemented by Rita Matulienė, auditor and Board Member of Dementia Lithuania, who shared her personal experience of caring for her mother and the journey towards diagnosis.
The seminar also introduced the “Steps After Diagnosis” resource, designed to help people living with dementia and their families understand and plan the first steps following diagnosis.
The event was part of Dementia Openness Days 2026, organised by Dementia Lithuania and Social Art Projects. The key supporter of the programme was Eli Lilly and Company.
