Throughout September 2026, organisations, health services and local communities across Greece marked World Alzheimer’s Month through a wide range of scientific, educational, preventive and community-based activities.
In Athens, Alzheimer Athens organised the fourth Alzheimer Festival at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Under the theme “Innovation in dementia prevention and management”, the two-day programme brought together scientists, healthcare professionals and the public, around personalised prevention, early diagnosis, new treatments, artificial intelligence and the rights of people living with dementia and their caregivers. Free memory screenings, interactive workshops, cognitive and physical activities and cultural events encouraged active public participation.
In Thessaloniki, Alzheimer Hellas organised its annual World Alzheimer’s Day (WAD) event at Aristotle University, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis and modifiable risk factors. Scientific presentations by university professors addressed vascular health, neuropsychological markers, anaemia, physical activity and brain health. The programme also included the Alzheimer Hellas Choir, highlighting music as a means of inclusion and social connection. On 21 September, citizens, professionals and supporters gathered at the city’s Umbrellas sculpture before joining a Memory Walk towards the White Tower, both landmarks being illuminated in purple.
Activities extended across the country. In Larissa, a Memory Walk by EENAL brought the community together around early diagnosis and dementia awareness, while EPSEP in Ioannina highlighted prevention and support for families. In Serres, the “Anaplous” Day Centre of SOFPSY combined an awareness talk with a lantern-lit Memory Walk and purple illumination of municipal buildings.
In Chalkida, REMIND held the scientific conference “The Memory of Tomorrow Is Built Today,” focusing on prevention, early detection of memory problems, and healthy ageing. A new regional community prevention model for Central Greece was also presented, along with practical advice on healthy daily habits, including the Mediterranean diet. Chania’s association organised an intergenerational activity combining storytelling, traditional games and shared memories, bringing children and older adults together. In Heraklion, a week dedicated to prevention, early detection and support included free cognitive screening and an educational event for caregivers and professionals.
In Rhodes, “Panakeia” offered public information, blood pressure, glucose measurements and memory screening for people over 60. In Patras, “Frontizo” marked WAD through art and social awareness-its professionals attended and supported the play “Dance with Me, Father,” which explores the relationship between a daughter and her elderly father while highlighting dementia and family caregiving.
In Katerini, the Day Centre “Panagia Vimatarissa”, together with the Alzheimer’s Association of Pieria and the Municipality of Katerini, organised a series of activities from 13 to 23 September, focusing on dementia awareness, the importance of early diagnosis, prevention, social participation and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Together, these initiatives demonstrated the breadth of dementia awareness and community engagement across Greece, while reinforcing a shared message: prevention, timely diagnosis, research, inclusion and support for caregivers are collective responsibilities that require the participation of the whole community.
