Nilüfer Municipality organized a panel and event with the slogan “If he forgets, hold his hand!” to raise awareness on September 21, World Alzheimer's Day. Speaking at the panel, Nilüfer Mayor Şadi Özdemir stated that Alzheimer's is one of the biggest diseases of our age and emphasized that their support will continue in the fight against the disease.
Nilüfer Municipality organized events on September 21, World Alzheimer's Day to draw attention to the disease and raise awareness in the society. The first of these events was the World Alzheimer's Day Panel. Nilüfer Mayor Şadi Özdemir, Deputy Mayor Okan Şahin, President of Alzheimer's Association of Turkey Bursa Branch Prof. Dr. Mustafa Bakar and citizens attended the panel organized in cooperation with Alzheimer's Association of Turkey at Nazım Hikmet Cultural Center with the theme “If he forgets, hold his hand!”.
In his speech at the opening of the panel, Nilüfer Mayor Şadi Özdemir pointed out that Alzheimer's disease is one of the biggest diseases of our age. Stating that there are many people in the society who struggle with Alzheimer's disease or have relatives with this disease, Mayor Şadi Özdemir emphasized the importance of the events organized to raise awareness on this issue.
Speaking about the patient guest house opened by Nilüfer Municipality in cooperation with the Lions 118-K Management Circle Federation and the philanthropist Dikencik family for the care of Alzheimer's patients, Mayor Şadi Özdemir stated that they want to continue to increase their services in this field. Calling for solidarity to increase the number of services such as elderly care homes and kindergartens, Mayor Şadi Özdemir said, “Being in solidarity, being sensitive to people, the environment and animals are among the values of Nilüfer and Nilüfer people.”
After the opening speech, the World Alzheimer's Day Panel started. Moderator of the panel Prof. Dr. Mustafa Bakar, President of Bursa Branch of Alzheimer's Association of Turkey, said that there are nearly 600 thousand Alzheimer's patients in Turkey and 33 thousand in Bursa. Drawing attention to the prevalence of the disease, Prof. Dr. Bakar said, “The number of Alzheimer's patients doubles every ten years. This disease affects not only the person but also the people around them. Therefore, it constitutes a social problem.”
Among the other experts who spoke at the panel, neurology specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Demet Yıldız, psychiatry specialist Assoc. Dr. Yusuf Sivrioğlu and physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist Prof. Dr. Meliha Kasapoğlu Aksoy shared information on the care of Alzheimer's patients, methods to delay the progression of the disease and how to approach patients.
Colorful day at the Guest House
Within the scope of World Alzheimer's Day activities, a colorful event was organized at Nilüfer Municipality Lions and Ercan Dikencik Alzheimer's Patient Guest House. Nilüfer Municipality Mayor Şadi Özdemir and his wife Nuray Özdemir also attended the program where various activities and events were organized. Alzheimer's Association of Turkey Bursa Branch President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Bakar and board members, Uludağ Lions Club President Esra Kunlar, Uludağ Lions Club Past President İsmail İşyapan and many guests attended the event. President Şadi Özdemir, who took a close interest in the patients, said that they will do their part for them to live in more comfortable conditions. Mayor Şadi Özdemir said, “We will always be with you. Social works have become the identity of Nilüfer Municipality. We continue to pioneer in many areas.”
Alzheimer's Association of Turkey Bursa Branch President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Bakar stated that they will reach a much wider audience with the protocol they signed with Nilüfer Municipality. Uludağ Lions Club President Esra Kunlar stated that they will support Alzheimer's patients from now on as they have done until today.
Alzheimer's patients formed a choir and sang songs in the program. Mayor Şadi Özdemir also visited the exhibition drawn and colored by Alzheimer's patients with great appreciation.
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240921AW291934