The Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders has undertaken— with the necessary sense of responsibility and deep fraternal care for all people around the world— a global initiative for the first time, one that concerns us all equally!

After many years of continuous research, we have now reached encouraging outcomes—not just in diagnosis, treatment, and management, but in something even more significant… PREVENTION!
For the first time, we hold in our hands studies and research that show DEMENTIA CAN BE PREVENTED by up to 45%!

To highlight the importance of prevention, our Panhellenic Federation has undertaken the organization of the “1st International Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Race”. The first leg of the race was successfully held in April 2025 in Thessaloniki, as part of the 19th International Marathon “ALEXANDER THE GREAT.”

Following the success of this event, we invite you to participate in the second leg, which will take place during the 13th International Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Thessaloniki. Our running team will be participating in the 1 Mile Road Race (1,609.34 m), starting at 17:30 from the Town Hall of the Municipality of Pavlos Melas and finishing at the “Konstantinos Karamanlis” Municipal Stadium of Ampelokipi.

There is no age limit for the 1-Mile Road Race (Family Mile)!
That’s why we warmly invite everyone to participate—our members and friends, caregivers and companions, doctors and nurses, students and citizens, even schoolchildren—young children running for their grandparents—so that all of us, together and individually, can become powerful carriers of hope and strong voices spreading the message of prevention.

Let us invite the whole world—starting this year and every year—to the global road race against DEMENTIA, establishing Greece as the first country and Thessaloniki as the first city in the world… in the fight against DEMENTIA.

All funds raised from public participation go exclusively toward scholarships for dementia research, awarded to outstanding Greek students, as announced at the recent 14th Panhellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Conference held in February 2025 in Thessaloniki.

Anyone wishing to further support our cause may also participate in the other races held on the same day:

1. a) Half Marathon:
   Start time: 18:30
   Starting & finishing point: “Konstantinos Karamanlis” Municipal Stadium of Ampelokipi.
2. b) 10,000m Health and Power Walking Race:
   Start time: 18:00
   Starting & finishing point: “Konstantinos Karamanlis” Municipal Stadium of Ampelokipi.
3. c) 5,000m Health and Power Walking Race:
   Start time: 20:45
   Starting point: Megalou Alexandrou Street (Evosmos)
   Finishing point: “Konstantinos Karamanlis” Municipal Stadium of Ampelokipi.

We unite medical duty with human compassion and send, from Greece and the headquarters of our Panhellenic Federation in Thessaloniki, the loudest and most hopeful message to the entire world… that the path of prevention for Dementia—has opened.

To ensure the success and global impact of this powerful and optimistic message, we need the support and participation of everyone!

OUR VISION AND PHILOSOPHY

International statistics show that there are currently 50 million people living with dementia worldwide, including 200,000 in Greece. The disease affects 10% of individuals over the age of 65 and 30% of those over 85. Scientists predict a dramatic increase in these numbers in the coming years. According to the Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (Alzheimer Hellas), the number of dementia cases in Greece is expected to reach 354,000 by 2050.

Dementia is a family-centered and long-term illness that tests the endurance of approximately one million Greek families. It is a frightening, exhausting, emotionally overwhelming, and financially burdensome “life marathon,” especially for primary caregivers.

Globally, cancer and dementia are the two most well-known and widespread diseases of our time. This is why our initiative focuses on preventive action—raising awareness and activating the public, regardless of whether they have had a family member with dementia. Dementia is a major issue in developed societies with high life expectancy.

THE NEED FOR THE ROAD RACE

As President of the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and Emeritus Professor of Neurology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, I would like to inform you that Greece has made, and continues to make, significant progress in supporting both patients with dementia and their caregivers.

We have developed a National Strategic Plan for Dementia, established Day Centers, Mobile Units, Hostels for middle and advanced stages, and community liaison units. Across Greece, we continuously organize lectures, workshops, and conferences, many of which are available online to support fellow citizens living far from urban centers.

However, now is the time to begin a NEW great, optimistic, and hopeful effort—a GLOBAL campaign for PREVENTION.
Because we now know that dementia can be prevented in 45% of cases, and even more importantly, it is not inevitably tied to life expectancy. In the near future, dementia need no longer be a complex, multi-layered, and overwhelming condition—nor a major medical, social, and economic issue for society.

OUR GOAL
The organization of the “1st International Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Race”—a sporting, social, and medical initiative—aims to give sport the social meaning it truly deserves.
By uniting the strength and determination of people who strive for a better life, we also spread messages of love, hope, and collective responsibility to every member of society.