We are proud to acknowledge the following Honourable Mentions from the 2026 Anti-Stigma Award. Their inspiring work and commitment to challenging stigma made a lasting impression on the judging panel.
Niftakarna
by Daniel Cauchi (Malta)
“Niftakarna” is a Maltese song written and composed by Daniel Cauchi, Chris Gatt, Michael Spagnol and Robert Spiteri, and performed by Daniel Cauchi. Presented at Muzika Muzika, Malta's leading festival of original Maltese-language music, the song was accompanied by a public awareness campaign developed in collaboration with the Malta Dementia Society.
Inspired by the singer's personal experience of his mother's memory loss, the song explores themes of memory, love and care. Its aim is to translate a deeply personal story into a shared emotional experience that resonates with a broad audience, fostering reflection on the human dimensions of dementia.
'Diff'rently the Same' & 'I Still Love You’
by James McKillop (Scotland)
After I was treated badly by the public, who no longer treated me as a live person and I had to deal with the sigma and indifference dealt out to people with dementia, I determined to speak up on behalf of myself, and those who followed in my footsteps. We do have problems, but we are still human beings with a rich history of contributing to society and raising a family, who will help future generations to prosper, in their own individual ways. I thought people might not read articles about dementia, it doesn't concern me but could possibly listen to music and be influenced.
Når vi er sammen
by Claus Christensen (Denmark)
In autumn 2025 a choir consisting of 14 singers, who themselves have dementia, recorded and released the benefit song “Når vi er sammen” in aid of the Danish Alzheimer’s Association. The song features both professional actors and musicians alongside the usual choir members. It aims to broaden the understanding of living with dementia and the benefit of leading active lives with others. Alongside awareness, the song also raised financial support for the Danish Alzheimer’s Association.
Music, meaning and memory
by Naaheed Mukadam (United Kingdom)
“Music, Meaning and Memory” is an innovative music and dance project created by Professor Naaheed Mukadam in collaboration with sarod musician Soumik Datta and dance artist Jesal Patel. Designed to raise awareness of dementia within South Asian communities, the performance uses traditional South Asian music and dance to explore themes of memory, identity and connection. Through artistic expression, the project highlights how people living with dementia can continue to engage with and enjoy music and movement, while challenging stigma and promoting a more hopeful and person-centred understanding of dementia.
Musical-Theater for People with Alzheimer's Disease: Beautiful Greece
by Dimitrios Kalamaras and The Choir of Alzheimer Hellas (Greece)
“Beautiful Greece” is a multidisciplinary musical-theatrical production presented by the Alzheimer Hellas Choir at the Aristotle Theatre in Thessaloniki in February 2026. The inclusive choir, active since 2001, consists primarily of people living with dementia who take part in regular rehearsals and public performances across Greece. Through a combination of choral and solo singing, theatre and movement, the production placed people with dementia at the centre of a professional cultural performance. Its aim was to challenge stigma and promote a more positive image of dementia by showcasing the creativity, abilities and self-expression of people living with the condition.
Find the Alzheimer Hellas Choir on Facebook, Instagram and their website.
