Brain surgery is a kind of first aid.

At the beginning of March, the City of Hafnarfjörður and the Alzheimer's Association signed a declaration of cooperation on the implementation of a community that is friendly, supportive, and aware of the needs of people with dementia and their families. Thus, the City of Hafnarfjörður, with professional assistance and the strong support of the Alzheimer's Association, will systematically pave the way for those with dementia by promoting awareness and knowledge among the municipality's staff and residents. As many are aware, a facility for the Alzheimer's Association is being prepared on the 3rd floor of the St. Jó. Centre for Quality of Life. 

The town newspaper Hafnfirðingur I discussed these matters with Herdís Hjörleifsdóttir, a social worker and the project manager for this project for the council.

^{Mrs Eliza Reid has been a patron of the Alzheimer's Society for many years. Photo/Alzheimer's Society}

It is estimated that four to five thousand individuals in Iceland are living with dementia, of whom approximately 250 are under the age of 65. A significant increase is expected as the nation's population ages. Herdís says that education and advice about the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease is intended to make young and old residents of the town who exhibit such symptoms feel safer in the community. „The aim of the implementation is to increase understanding for the benefit of everyone, so that we can all better support people with dementia and encourage their active participation in society. The project will be introduced to the town's residents in stages.“ says Herdís. Staff at institutions, in home care, at Hraunsel and in the senior citizens' canteen will attend a course on the subject, and then there will be an open house for senior citizens as soon as circumstances allow. „The aim is for all the town's schools and institutions to become Dementia Friends, and concurrently or subsequently, as many businesses and organisations in Hafnarfjörður as possible. To receive this recognition, at least 50% staff at the workplace must have been briefed on dementia and its effects. All residents can become Dementia Friends themselves by watching and absorbing the information in a three-minute video on the website www.heilavinur.is. It's as simple as that.“

^{Árni Sverrisson, chairman of the Alzheimer's Association; Eliza Reid, First Lady; Vilborg Gunnarsdóttir, managing director of the Alzheimer's Association; Svandís Svavarsdóttir, Minister of Health; and Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, mayor. Photo: Hafnarfjörður Municipality}

A huge neighbourhood watch scheme that increases the safety of everyone

Herdís takes, for example, people with early signs of Alzheimer's: self-service checkouts are not advisable for them to use, but with appropriate training, a member of staff can step in and help, so that the person with the symptoms does not feel afraid or insecure. „Our dream is that all residents will become aware of the symptoms and effects of dementia-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. Increased knowledge and education opens our eyes to our surroundings and promotes a greater understanding of the needs of individuals with dementia. Then we can ask the right questions and provide appropriate assistance. If everyone joins forces, it creates a kind of giant neighbourhood watch, which also increases the safety of carers.“

A guide training course is scheduled to start on 29th April, provided the environment and conditions permit, and will be open to all interested parties. „When an individual has completed such a course, they receive a badge and a certificate as a Brain Friend and can then take on the role of guiding others, in any setting. It is beneficial for all staff groups, friendship circles, and community organisations, and indeed for anyone, to recognise these symptoms, for example, if they appear in a colleague or a friend. Family members can also contact the Alzheimer's Society for advice and support groups. You can think of being a “Brain Friend' in a similar way to a first aid course; you are getting people in need help." says Herdís.

^{The Öldutúnsskóli choir sang several beautiful songs when the launch of the implementation in Hafnarfjörður was marked. Photo/Hafnarfjörður Municipality}

Most people know someone in this situation.

When asked, Herdís says it is common for people to take a long time to accept and acknowledge the symptoms of this difficult illness. „Relatives of an individual who shows signs that something is wrong should contact their GP, who will issue a referral to the Memory Clinic. There, an examination, certain tests and scans are carried out. There are medicines that can slow the disease, though they do not cure it, and symptoms vary from person to person. Most people know someone in such circumstances. Anyone can become a Brain Friend, and all you need to do is indicate that you want to increase your knowledge of dementia and be prepared to show empathy and kindness. Together, the community here in Hafnarfjörður can become a fantastic example of a supportive community, and an inspiration for other communities and local authorities to take action.“

An interview with Herdís was published in Hafnfirðinginn on 31 March 2021. Main image/OBÞ