Greece Launches National Dementia Center

Greece is set to launch a pioneering National Dementia Model Centre in Peristeri, Athens, by spring 2028. This new facility will offer a comprehensive, integrated care model for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, alongside crucial support for their families and caretakers.

The center will provide a variety of services including cognitive stimulation, occupational therapy, and music therapy. It will also focus on prevention, diagnosis, and continuous patient monitoring. Free services will be available daily to up to 160 people, with an annual reach of approximately 5,000 individuals.

Beyond direct patient care, the center intends to establish nationwide quality standards and evaluation tools for dementia services. It will also support volunteering, awareness campaigns, and dementia research. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted its role as an expertise hub and a means to reduce social stigma.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the public sector, the National Bank of Greece, and 12 charitable foundations contributing €4.49 million for renovation and initial funding. A pilot phase is planned before full operation in spring 2028.