Latest News Alzheimer’s Fest
What is there to celebrate when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease? Nothing. So why throw an Alzheimer’s party? Let’s find…
What is there to celebrate when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease? Nothing. So why throw an Alzheimer’s party? Let’s find out together
Alzheimer’s Fest is anonprofit, Milan-based association that brings together family members of Alzheimer’s patients, therapists, artists, caregivers, doctors, professors, journalists, actors, musicians, researchers, and friendly associations nationwide.
The dignity of the person is the focal point of the association’s activities and is a value deeply shared by the Valdese Diaconia, which is committed to ensuring that it is always respected in RSAs and, in general, in the projects and services that the Diaconia itself promotes and manages.
Alzheimer Fest is a free event held in multiple locations, open to all and sundry and organized by volunteers with the constant presence of trained staff. In fact, people with Alzheimer’s disease or frailty can also participate; as the creators of the fest explain, “there are places of silence and relaxation equipped with expert staff, free distribution of water and emergency refreshments, nurses, a doctor and an ambulance for every eventuality. The staff, visible thanks to the red T-shirts, is around the Fest available to help and direct those in need.”
This year the festival was held in September. In Florence, the Valdese Diaconia participated with The Gignoro, a rest home located in Florence’s Quartiere 2 Campo di Marte – Coverciano, articulated in three modules, one of which is dedicated specifically to Alzheimer’s patients and people with dementia. In Luserna San Giovanni (TO), in the Waldensian Valleys, two days were organized during which The King Charles Albert Refuge opened its doors to the community.
The Waldensian Houses participated first of all by following the proposed events with interest and rejoicing in the positive energy that was distinctly felt. The Waldensian Guesthouse in Florence had the pleasure of welcoming some guests of the Re Carlo Alberto Refuge and their companions, several staff members of the association and a doctor. It cannot be ruled out that this is only the beginning of an Alzheimer friendly form of tourist hospitality; in the Diaconia’s accommodations, some rooms could be identified that are more suitable for hosting patients with caregivers or family members (spacious and particularly quiet rooms, for example).
But back to the original question: why celebrate? The answer can be found in the website of the association:
Alzheimer’s Fest is a celebration. What is there to celebrate? So many ask. There is nothing to celebrate, in fact.
We are well aware of this. All of us who participate in this project have been or are touched by this issue.
We celebrate the courage to live despite illness.
We celebrate the smile that comes after a desperate night.
We celebrate light, life, because together we are less alone, together we can find solutions, inspirations. They may be temporary solutions, but they happen. And they provide relief.
And as we face all this darkness, we get informed, we try to fight back, we meet doctors and artists, therapists and musicians, scholars and writers.
Isn’t that a good reason to find each other and celebrate?
