More than 16,000 people in Cyprus are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, with the majority being over 65 years of age. As life expectancy increases, so do the chances of developing dementia.
“At first, I went to a doctor, and he told me: ‘I’ll give you three words; keep them in mind. I’ll tell you a story, and then I’ll ask you for the words.’ In the end, I forgot two of them. And he referred us to Ithaki. And I’ve been very happy ever since. Psychology. We do exercises. We interact with others. It’s like a preschool for babies. This is the preschool for big babies.”
Venetia – Client at the Ithaki Day Center
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The Ithaki Foundation is waging its own campaign to provide information, raise awareness, and ensure early diagnosis for patients with dementia.
At its two day centers—one in Nicosia and one in Limassol—it cares for individuals diagnosed with early-stage and early-to-moderate-stage dementia.
“With the establishment of these day centers, we’d like to note that cognitive enhancement groups are in operation, where participants engage in various activities designed to strengthen thinking, attention, perception, and concentration, and we offer a range of services, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and music.”
Pariana Nikolaou – Director of the “Ithaki” Day Center and Services
Participation in the programs requires a prior assessment and is provided completely free of charge.
“Instead of sitting at home in front of the TV, I come here, meet people I didn’t know before, we talk, and personally, I have a really great time because we socialize.”
Center Client
The symptoms and progression of the disease are different for each patient.
“I was forgetting so many things. So I decided to see a doctor. I couldn’t find the right words. He told me to come to Ithaki. And I came. I’m doing very well now.”
Center Client
The intense worry and anxiety that Mr. Telis Nikolaidis experienced upon his return to Cyprus from a routine business trip prompted him to see a doctor.
“I discussed it with my wife, who was in Cyprus. And when I arrived, I decided to get tested. To find out why this was happening to me. And I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. And after a while, we learned about Ithaca, which is truly an Ithaca for us.”
Center Client
From October 7 through November 4, Ithaca will hold training and informational seminars for healthcare professionals and caregivers of people with dementia and will offer free memory tests.
Watch Olga Konstantinou’s report:
