Dementia represents one of the biggest public health challenges today, and due to the aging of the population, the number of patients in the world and Europe is continuously increasing. Precisely because of this, projects focused on prevention, early recognition of diseases, education of health workers and providing support to people living with dementia and their families are becoming increasingly important.
On this occasion, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sarajevo hosted an international symposium organized within the ADawarE project, which aims to improve knowledge about dementia, strengthen international cooperation and develop new approaches to support patients.
Under the leadership of prof. Ph.D. Asije Začiragić, a full professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the UNSA and the project leader for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo brought together distinguished experts from several European countries who are engaged in research, treatment and support for people with dementia.
Among the lecturers were prof. Ph.D. Stefanie Auer from the University of Lifelong Education in Krems from Austria, one of the leading European experts in research and care of people with dementia, Dr. Marianna Tsatali from the Greek Alzheimer Association, Professor Ingelin Testad from the University of Exeter and the Center for Aging Medicine SESAM from Norway, Anne Torsvik Henriksen, an expert in the inclusion of people with dementia in research and social life, Professor Ninoslav Mimica, one of the leading regional experts in Alzheimer’s disease and psychogeriatrics, and Sandra Kerovec, an educational rehabilitator known for promoting creative and inclusive approaches to support people with dementia.
During the symposium, the latest knowledge was presented in the field of dementia prevention, raising awareness of this disease, non-pharmacological methods of treatment and support, as well as the inclusion of people with dementia in research processes and the everyday life of the community. Special attention is paid to innovative communication models that can contribute to a better understanding of the needs of patients and their families.
Experts point out that dementia is not only a medical, but also a social challenge, which is why it is necessary to develop integrated support models that connect the health system, academic community, social services and families of patients.
The symposium was intended for students, residents and doctors of the University of Sarajevo, and by organizing it, the UNSA Faculty of Medicine once again confirmed its active role in international scientific research projects and the promotion of modern health policies.
The ADawarE project is realized thanks to the engagement of the dean of the Faculty of Medicine UNSA prof. Ph.D. Amine Valjevac and the international expertise of Prof. Ph.D. Asije Začiragić from the field of dementia, with the aim of creating a better and more humane support system for people living with this disease.
