Project
Project Summary
The last 20 years has seen a steady increase in the elder population, especially in European countries due to advancements in the field of health. From healthier living conditions, better education and access to healthcare services, mortality as well as birth rates have significantly declined in developed countries.
Alzheimer's and Demantia disease, especially in those 65 years and older, is rapidly increasing on a global scale. Although direct treatment of Alzheimer's disease is not possible, during the onse of the disease various exercises, cognitive, social and cultural activities are all precautionary measures that can be taken to slow its progression. Cognitive activities exercising thinking and memory skills have positive effects on the overall psychology and improvement of performance.
The USE OR LOSE project aims to call attention to Alzheimer's disease by developing innovative practices and implementing co-operative initiatives, such as mutual learning and exchange experiences, promoting cooperation at the European level.
The Specific Objectives of the project are:
- Prevention and awareness of Alzheimer’s and the early onset stages of the disease.
- Increase awareness of Alzheimer's disease at the local, national and international levels.
- Create an occupational therapy activity guide book for Demantia patients and caregivers.
- Establish co-operation and partnership at the European level.
Within the scope of the Erasmus + Strategic Partnership Program, it is aimed to establish an occupational therapy guidebook for occupational to assist in the treatment of Alzheimer's patients and their families. The occupational therapy guidebook will be used locally and throughout Europe for improving the memory of Alzheimer's patients and those with early-onset dementia.
The guide book outlines activities that can be performed to combat the disease, beneficial nutrition, the care families can provide and which social activities are effective in combating Alzheimer's. The guidebook will be English based, but translated into the project partner’s languages, including Arabic for Syrian refugees. The guidebook will be used in nursing homes that are under the direction of the Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality, as part of the occupational therapy program directed by an occupational therapist. In addition, project partners will use the occupational therapy guidebook in their countries.
The Use or Lose Project partners are:
- Kahramanmaras Family and Social Policies Provincial Directorate
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Health Services University
- Alzheimer Bulgaria Association (Bulgaria)
- SSW Collegium Balticum (Poland)
- Anaptyxıako Kentro Thessalıas (Greece)
- International Centre for the Promotion of Education and Development (Italy).