Athanassia Moudiou from the city's Department of Health, Consumer Protection and Veterinary Services gave valuable tips on this in her presentation "Understanding and dealing with dementia". "People with dementia are on their own island," she said, describing the way sufferers view their environment. Because they cannot adapt to the reality of their supposedly normal fellow human beings, relatives have to adapt to their reality. "We are the ones who can relate to them, the people with dementia can't relate to us," emphasized Moudiou.

What you need to bring to the table when dealing with people with dementia is empathy, patience and an appreciative attitude, which makes it easier to deal with people with dementia. It is important to build trust with those affected by dementia. She advised relatives of people with dementia: "Remember to do something for yourself and take care of yourself."

Another tip from Moudiou to her listeners was: "Write down your biography." This should include not only the dates of your life, but also your own quirks. If you develop dementia, this is very helpful for the nursing staff when dealing with the patient.

Even after her presentation, Athanassia Moudiou was surrounded by many interested people who asked her their personal questions about dementia, which she answered competently.

Throughout the event, there was the opportunity to obtain advice, exchange ideas and obtain information on the topic at the respective stands of the "Salzgitter Local Alliance Network". This was used intensively by the numerous visitors. There was also an exhibition of pictures entitled "DEMensch" by cartoonist Peter Gaymann and visitors were able to take on the perspective of a person with dementia using a dementia simulator.

On this afternoon, the guests not only received a range of information about the disease and how to deal with it. There were also entertaining activities on offer, ranging from bingo games to yoga classes and much more.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was when the dancers from the Kwiatkowski dance school in Salzgitter danced along. They didn't have to ask the guests at the information event for long to join in the dances with colorful scarves or while seated. The small room was quickly filled with dance enthusiasts who joined in with the dances. Cakes, snacks and finger food were served between the many activities.

The event was organized by the senior citizens' office together with the Salzgitter network "Hand in Hand - taking the fear out of dementia". It was important to them that on this information day, those affected and their relatives would receive offers at the same time and in equal measure, which could be used by both inside and outside the senior citizens' meeting place building. The information day is part of the federal project "Local alliances for people with dementia".

In the city of Salzgitter, a group of stakeholders have come together to form the "Hand in Hand - Taking the Horror Out of Dementia" network, which has also put together this information event together with the city's senior citizens' office in order to pool their resources and options for support with this illness. It is committed to providing more in-depth advice and information.

The focus of the network is on the person with the disease, but also on their social environment, i.e. relatives and friends. The focus here is also on support services.

The city of Salzgitter is receiving financial support from the fourth funding wave of the federal program "Local Alliances for People with Dementia" of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, which is being fully incorporated into the local network. Special thanks therefore go to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth)