Since 2002, Alzheimer Athens has been working to support the 200,000 people with dementia and their families living in Greece, defending their rights and claiming the establishment of structures and services aimed at promoting their quality of life. On 20 March 2021, Caregivers Day, the association organised its annual event dedicated to the caregivers of people with dementia. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the need for help for people with dementia and their caregivers. Due to the restriction measures, this year's event was an Interactive Virtual Meeting for caregivers with the theme "You have questions, we have answers". The event started with an inspiring speech by the President of Democracy Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
During the session, dementia experts Paraskevi Sakka, Nikos Skarmeas, Kostis Prouskas, Areti Efthymiou and Irini Vamvakari answered more than 100 questions, live. Caregivers had the opportunity to talk and be informed about the issues that concern them on a daily basis. They learned about ways they can try to respond to various behaviours they might encounter in the person they are caring for, such as apathy, obsession, aggression, intense mobility, sleep disorders, etc. They were given answers regarding practical care problems and procedural issues such as benefits and legal acts, and were also informed about the free online programmes offered by Alzheimer Athens. A total of 650 caregivers from all over Greece, Cyprus, US and Australia participated in this year’s event.