The European Commission held a panel and film screening event titled “Living with Alzheimer's” with contributions from the Alzheimer's Association and the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics. The event took place at HASDER on September 8, 2021 and focused on the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and how to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Following the panel discussion the film “Still Alice” was screened. 

In his opening remarks, Kjartan Björnsson, Head of Unit for Cyprus Settlement Support and Deputy Director of DG Reform at the European Commission, expressed that "in Europe, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia affect around 9,8 million people, and this is expected to increase to almost 18,8 million by 2050 due to the aging population. It is through these types of partnerships and collaborative efforts, that we can continue to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease, and advocate for improved care and services for patients and their families."

The keynote speaker of the event, Tim Raemaekers, working as Policy and Programming Officer in the Combatting Diseases Unit of DG Research and Innovation at the European Commission highlighted the research and innovation opportunities provided under EU's new Framework Programme and its Health Cluster. He also highlighted several projects that focus on new techniques and drugs.  

Neurologists from both communities gave an overview of the incidence of Alzheimer's disease in the community. Dr. Yiolanda Christou, Head of the Neurobiology Department in the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, talked about early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and dementia and how to improve the quality of life for patients. In her remarks, Dr. Christou also shared information on their current work in developing a national strategic plan for dementia in Cyprus. Associate Professor Bahar Kaymakamzade Çulhaoğlu, Neurologist and Fellow of the European Board of Neurology, provided information on Alzheimer’s in the Turkish Cypriot community and how to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers. The last panelist of the event, İzlem Sönmez, President of the Alzheimer's Association, informed the participants on their activities aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and their efforts to support persons with Alzheimer's/Dementia and their caregivers. The panel concluded with a Q & A session facilitated by moderator Meral Birinci Sonan, lawyer, who also provided concluding remarks.

Following the panel, the screening of the film “Still Alice” took place. Based on a true story and raising awareness on Alzheimer's disease, “Still Alice” stars Julianne Moore as the leading actress who won the Academy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA awards in the "Best Actress of the Year" category for her role.

Check out the photo album.