Aegean College in collaboration with non-profit organization Athens Alzheimer Association organized free training and learning seminars for caregivers of people with dementia.
For the first time since the pandemic, the institution of “Caregivers School” was organized in person, with three important seminars that took place in Aegean College’s central facilities at Panepistimiou 17 Str.
Paraskevi Sakka, president of Alzheimer Association and president of the Greek National Observatory for Dementia – Alzheimer, opened the seminars on Wednesday, 18th of May with the topic of “Dementia, forms of dementia, clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment”. The same day, neurologist Kynthia Kondyli examined the topic of “Alzheimer’s disease, prevention, risk factors, protective factors”.
On Monday, 25th of May, Costis Prouskas, Psychologist, Doctor of Gerontology and director of Aktios Elderly Care Units, gave his speech on “Practical issues of care, behaviour and communication with people with dementia” followed by Kostas Nikolaou, psychologist of the Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Department at Hygeia Hospital, who talked about “Understanding and addressing problematic behaviours in people with dementia”.
The seminars were completed on Wednesday, 1st of June with three more interesting speeches.
Nikoletta Geronikola, MSc, neuropsychologist, moderator of the Day Care Center Marousi, analysed the “Psychosocial Interventions on people with dementia and their carers”.
Social worker, Irini Vamvakari, MSc, gave a speech on the topic of “Services for people with dementia and their carers”.
The collaboration between Aegean College and the NGO Athens Alzheimer Association in educating the community and raising awareness for dementia contributes significantly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined below .
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): The collaboration contributes to SDG 3 by promoting good health and well-being through community education on dementia. Increased awareness helps identify symptoms early, leading to better management of the condition and improved quality of life for individuals affected by dementia.
- Quality Education (SDG 4): The collaboration aligns with SDG 4 by providing educational initiatives on dementia to the community. Educational programs contribute to building a knowledgeable and informed society, fostering understanding and empathy for those affected by dementia.
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): The collaboration works towards reducing inequalities associated with dementia by offering education and awareness programs accessible to diverse segments of the population. Ensuring that information reaches various demographics helps address disparities related to awareness and understanding of dementia.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Education and awareness efforts in communities align with SDG 11 by contributing to sustainable urban and community development. The collaboration supports creating inclusive, safe, and resilient communities where individuals with dementia are understood and supported.
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The collaboration between Aegean College and the Athens Alzheimer Association exemplifies SDG 17 by fostering partnerships for the goals. Working together enhances the impact of initiatives related to dementia education and awareness, creating a collective effort towards achieving shared objectives.
- Community Engagement (SDG 16): The collaboration engages the community, aligning with SDG 16 by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. Increased understanding of dementia reduces stigma and discrimination, contributing to a more compassionate and supportive community environment.
- Empowerment of Individuals (SDG 5): Educational initiatives empower individuals, caregivers, and the community at large to understand and respond effectively to dementia. This aligns with SDG 5 by promoting gender equality, as dementia often affects women disproportionately, and education helps empower women as caregivers and advocates.
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): The collaboration contributes to SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production of knowledge about dementia. Educating the community responsibly about dementia ensures that information is accurate, supportive, and aligned with ethical standards.
- Increased Research and Awareness (SDG 3, SDG 9): The collaboration supports increased research efforts related to dementia, aligning with SDG 3. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 9 by promoting innovation in educational methods and approaches for raising awareness about dementia.
The collaboration between Aegean College and the Athens Alzheimer Association plays a crucial role in addressing multiple SDGs by promoting education, awareness, community engagement, and partnerships in the context of dementia. This collaborative effort contributes to building a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive society.
Finally, lawyer Giannis Bilianis talked about “Dementia: Rights, Ethical & Legal Issues”