The optimistic message that dementia can be prevented gives the results of studies and research. The Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, seeking to convey this message, is organizing the 1st World Road Road to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, which will take place on September 28 in Thessaloniki. The forerunner of the race will take place on April 6, as part of the 19th International Marathon “Alexander the Great”. Interested parties can register until March 7 via the website www.run2stoalzheimer.gr. Revenue from the racing races will be donated to scholarships to students who are researching dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia and disease is necessary, as international statistics show that there are 50,000,000 patients worldwide and 200,000 in Greece today, while 10% of people over 65 and 30% over 85 are affected by the disease. . The Greek Alzheimer’s Disease and Congenital Disorders estimates that their number in our country will reach 354,000 in 2050. Today, in Greece we have 200,000 diagnosed patients and dementia tests the strengths of about one million Greek families.

The organizing of the 1st Alzheimer’s World Prevention Road Race was announced during a press conference by the President of the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, Neurologist-Psychiatrist, Emeritus Professor Magda.

Amending risk factors

Ms Tsolakis pointed out that there are significant non -modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and amendable. As a non -amended factors, he mentioned age, family history, Alzheimer’s familial disease and Down syndrome.

Amending risk factors, as Mrs Tsolakis said, are diabetes, middle age hypertension, middle age obesity, lack of physical exercise, depression, smoking, low education, hearing loss, craniocerebral injury, High alcohol consumption, social isolation, atmosphere infection, high LDL cholesterol and loss of vision.

If these risk factors are modified, then dementia can be prevented at a rate of 40-45%. Ms Tsolakis noted that prophylactic factors are proper nutrition, education, physics, mental and social activity.

Tips to reduce the risk of dementia

Mrs Tsolaki gave the following tips on reducing the risk of dementia:

  • Be careful your diet
  • Watch your body
  • To practice your mind
  • Often do check-AP for blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol and Helicobacter
  • Watch your social life
  • Watch out for depression
  • Watch your head
  • Take care of your family
  • Take care of your habits (smoking, alcohol)
  • To make proper use of drugs
  • To take care of good sleep quality
  • To deal with and express yourself through the arts
  • Keep your faith in God
  • Scholarships for research on dementia

Their support for the Initiative of the Pan -Hellenic Federation was expressed by the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Theodoros Triantafyllidis, the Vice -Mayor of Culture and Sports Christos Mittas and the Vice -President

Indeed, Mr. Podiotis announced that the Marathon “Alexander the Great” will be the sponsor of one of the scholarships to be given to Greek students who research dementia.

It should be noted that 13 students have applied for a scholarship and to date three have been funded: one by Mrs Tsolakis’ family, one by Yiannis Masoutis and one by Stefanos Kassidis. Each scholarship is 36,000 euros and will be given for three years, with 1,000 euros each month. Ms Tsolakis pointed out that the aim is to find sponsors to give scholarships to all those who have applied.