World Alzheimer's Day focuses on dementia care and awareness

World Alzheimer's Day, observed on September 21, focuses on the theme “Dementia – (not) a question of age.” The initiative highlights that while most people living with dementia are over 65, the condition also affects younger individuals and their wider social circles, including partners, children, and colleagues.

In Germany, the Deutsche Alzheimer Gesellschaft reports approximately 1.8 million people living with dementia. To improve care, the CaritasKlinikum Saarbrücken is implementing measures such as appointing dementia specialists, conducting delirium screenings, and utilizing environmental design—such as specific floor coverings and wall colors—to improve patient orientation and safety.

In Italy, the Alzheimer Südtirol Alto Adige association is hosting events in Bolzano featuring activists Sophie Rosentreter and Letizia Espanoli. Rosentreter advocates for approaching dementia with ease by focusing on positive moments rather than deficits, while Espanoli promotes her “Sente-Mente” model, which emphasizes that quality of life depends on the quality of relationships and that life continues after a diagnosis.