Alzheimer's disease now affects about 5% of people over 60 years of age and in Italy an estimated 500,000 sufferers. It is the most common form of senile dementia, affecting memory and cognitive functions. For the Sereni Orizzonti Group and its facilities, 21 September, World Alzheimer's Day, is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and inform all those who know little, or not enough, about the effects of this disease.

On this occasion, the Rsa 'Matida' in Sassari, managed by Sereni Orizzonti, devised a customised daily itinerary for the facility's elderly, with the aim of first of all making them active and participating, and then stimulating and maintaining their physical and mental abilities.

For the Art Therapy Workshop, the elderly tried their hand at craft activities, such as papermaking and knitting and crocheting. These manual activities, organised to mark the opening of the autumn season, served to keep the guests' space-time orientation active. This was followed by social and cultural activities, much appreciated by those who enjoy reading the newspaper and commenting on the news of the day. The guests then devoted themselves to listening to music and a workshop with long-term memory stimulation tests.

"We care about the well-being of our guests and creating moments for them that can combine everyday life and manual activities, which are useful for restoring some of the skills lost with age," said facility director Paola Elena Borsato. "Creating a climate of friendship and cooperation among the guests, encouraging them to participate in the activities, is one of our main goals.