Kick-off campaign 'We ourselves are the medicine' in Eygelshoven
Today at the Eygelshoven library, Alzheimer Centrum Limburg's 'We ourselves are the medicine' campaign was officially launched. Alderman Jo Paas (Integral Elderly Policy) together with the campaign team of Alzheimer Centrum Limburg festively unveiled the campaign material in the presence of residents.
Increase in dementia
Dementia is a profound brain disorder for which no cure is yet possible. The number of people with dementia will continue to rise in the coming years, including in Kerkrade. This has a major impact on residents, informal caregivers and society as a whole. In 2023, there were an estimated 1,000 residents living with dementia in our municipality. This number is expected to rise to 1,600 by 2050, a 60 percent increase.
The importance of a healthy lifestyle
The "We are the medicine ourselves" campaign aims to raise awareness about the impact of a healthy lifestyle on brain health. Research shows that factors such as adequate exercise, healthy diet, social interaction and mental challenge can reduce the risk of dementia.
Connection to municipal initiatives
This campaign fits perfectly with the vitality project Vie (Leven in Beweging), in which the municipality is working with residents and community partners on health and vitality. In addition, the campaign fits seamlessly with the concrete steps being taken in Kerkrade to become a dementia-friendly municipality. This will enable people with dementia to continue to participate actively in society for as long as possible. Initiatives such as "neighborhood links" support residents and promote their self-reliance. Moreover, in cooperation with Alzheimer Parkstad, two Alzheimer Cafés have been opened in Laethof and Kapelhof. These are meeting places where people with dementia, family caregivers and professionals come together for support and information.
Kickoff with interactive activities
Residents were able to participate in various activities during the kickoff event as part of the campaign. These included the Vie meeting bus on the library grounds and the Healthy Brain workshop given by the campaign team, which included an interactive brain quiz.
Campaign throughout South Limburg
The campaign will be highlighted throughout South Limburg in the coming period through posters, leaflets, advertising pillars, lectures and workshops. In addition, you can visit the website www.wezijnzelfhetmedicijn.nl and use the free MijnBreincoach app to discover for yourself how to improve your brain health.
Watch here the news item from L1 of February 19 about the kickoff of the campaign 'We are the medicine ourselves' in Eygelshoven (07:20-09:32)
