At the beginning of 2024, the Alzheimer Bulgaria Association started working on its project “Non-medication therapies for the maintenance of cognitive abilities of people affected by dementia”. It is worth nearly 15,000 BGN and is funded by the TELUS International Bulgaria Foundation. Within the framework of the project, over 20 students (from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, New Bulgarian University and Medical University – Pleven) studying in the fields of psychology, social work and health care receive additional training with a focus on the application of non-medicament therapies for people with dementia.
During the months of April and May, the Alzheimer Bulgaria Association organised two trainings in Sofia and Pleven, where the participating students had the opportunity to learn in detail about the diagnoses of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the specifics of working with people affected by them, as well as specific methodologies for maintaining their cognitive abilities as well as their emotional condition and quality of life. The non-pharmaceutical therapies presented in the training have been developed and tested in practice with the participation of the association during various international projects.
After completing the training, the students moved on to the next stage of the project – putting what they had learned into practice. Each of the students had 10 visits to residential services for the elderly (in Sofia and near Pleven respectively) to work with the non-medication therapies under the supervision of the specialists in the respective service.
The main aim of the project is to give future professionals the opportunity to get a close look at the diagnosis of dementia and working with people affected by it. The opportunity to apply what they have learned in a real-life setting not only helps the students to consolidate their knowledge and gain experience but will also provide personalised activities for around 80 people with dementia to maintain their cognitive abilities and emotional wellbeing.
This project is funded by the TELUS International Bulgaria foundation.
