Alzheimer Nederland’s ‘You are not alone’ Campaign Offers Help and Information on Dementia in Turkish and Moroccan Communities

2023-06-06 14:00:00

This means that more and more families are also dealing with a partner or parent with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Good information about dementia is not always easy to find or does not meet the needs. That requires extra attention. With a campaign, Alzheimer Nederland brings help and information about dementia to the attention of informal carers and people with dementia with a Turkish or Moroccan background.

Complaints not recognized

The parents of Güleç and her sister Havva were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in quick succession. Güleç says: ‘My father got lost and neglected himself. He had the feeling that something was not right. But the GP brushed off the complaints as ‘tension related’. Then I learned that you really have to keep asking questions.’ After several investigations, the cause was found to be dementia. Güleç: ‘The diagnosis hit like a bomb. Dementia was a far-from-our-bed story. I had seen a documentary about it on television, but I wasn’t really sure what it entailed.’

Information and advice in Turkish, Arabic and Dutch

Information in several languages, which is in line with the Moroccan and Turkish culture, makes it easier to understand dementia and to help your loved one. With the campaign ‘You are not alone’, Alzheimer Nederland offers help and information in various ways in Turkish, Moroccan and Dutch. For example, there is the free brochure ‘Dementia? You are not alone’ which is available in Turkish, Arabic and Dutch. This can be found in the waiting room at the doctor’s office and can also be ordered online. You will also find online information, experience stories and videos.

Reviews of others

Dementia is different for everyone, but one thing applies to everyone: the disease changes your life. That is drastic for the whole family.