Greece is developing a new national care model for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, with a dedicated centre in Athens expected to provide medical, therapeutic and support services for patients, families and carers.
The National Dementia Model Centre will be located in Peristeri and is designed to become a reference point for the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of dementia and related disorders. Authorities also intend for the facility to provide a model that can be adapted by similar services across Greece.
The centre will offer cognitive stimulation programmes, occupational therapy and music therapy, alongside services aimed at preventing and identifying dementia at an early stage. Patients will also receive regular monitoring as part of an ongoing care programme.
Families and carers will have access to counselling and guidance, including through telemedicine services. Training programmes are also planned for healthcare professionals, carers and young researchers working in the field.
The facility is expected to provide free services to as many as 160 people each day, with annual capacity reaching about 5,000 people.
The centre will have a broader role beyond direct patient care. It is expected to develop quality standards and assessment tools that can be used to improve dementia services at facilities throughout Greece.
Officials also expect the centre to support volunteer programmes, public information campaigns and awareness initiatives. It will contribute to education about dementia and encourage research into the condition.
Presenting the project, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the centre would act as a source of expertise for similar facilities around the country. He also highlighted its planned contribution to research and public awareness.
Mitsotakis said the project could help address the social stigma surrounding dementia and stressed the importance of cooperation between the government, civil society, local authorities and the Church.
The centre is scheduled to open in September 2027, with a pilot phase planned before full operations begin in spring 2028.
The project is being developed through cooperation between the public sector, the National Bank of Greece and 12 charitable foundations participating in the “Initiative ’21”, with support from local authorities and the Church.
A donation of €4.49 million from members of the initiative will finance the renovation of the facility, the purchase of equipment and its operations during the first two years.
Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki said the project could contribute to a broader change in Greece’s approach to dementia by placing greater emphasis on prevention, early diagnosis and sustained support for patients.
She also highlighted the need to provide training for informal carers, who often take responsibility for much of the daily care provided to people living with dementia.
