On Saturday 19 September, from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm, DemenzNetz_C is hosting an information day entitled ‘Dementia – (not) a question of age’ at the Metropol Cinema, Zwickauer Straße 11. The event is being held to mark World Alzheimer’s Day. Visitors will learn more about the condition and can find out about the support available.
Admission is free, and doors open from 8.30 am. Registrations are open until 13 September via the event link. The Metropol Cinema is wheelchair-accessible, and parking is available.
This 12th Information Day begins with a talk by Lars Ruppel, who aims to awaken a love of the spoken word in a unique way through poetry slam. In the talk that follows, Rainer Heydenreich, who himself lives with dementia, offers moving insights into everyday life with the condition.
After a short break, the audience will have the opportunity to engage in a discussion with experts on questions relating to managing dementia in everyday life. Following the lunch break, a documentary will be screened, showing how one family has successfully coped – and continues to cope – with a relative’s early-onset frontotemporal dementia. Afterwards, a family member will join the event via video link to share her experiences with the audience.
Dementia knows no age limit
“But that only affects very old people” – this assumption is widespread, but it is not true. Whilst most people affected are over 65, dementia can also affect younger people. At the same time, many others are also affected: partners, children, grandchildren, friends and colleagues – people of all generations. Dementia knows no age limit.
We encounter dementia more often in everyday life than we realise. Often, it is not visible. Some people with dementia seem active, cheerful and independent, whilst others are withdrawn or rely on support. Some are in the middle of their working lives, whilst others are retired. People’s life situations are as varied as the people themselves. What does this mean for society? Are we prepared to break down prejudices, take a closer look and develop understanding? After all, a dementia diagnosis does not mean the end of a zest for life, social interaction or participation. What matters is how we treat one another. A respectful, open and patient environment makes all the difference – for those affected and their families. It is never too early to start thinking about dementia.
DemenzNetz_C
DemenzNetz_C (Chemnitz) brings together stakeholders from public, voluntary and private organisations and services to represent the interests of people with dementia and their families in Chemnitz.
Further information about the event can be obtained by telephone on 0371 488-5564, -5552 or by email at pflegenetz_c(at)stadt-chemnitz.de.