Over 150,000 Finns Living with Dementia: How to Spot Early Signs

More than 150,000 people in Finland currently live with dementia, with roughly 23,000 new diagnoses each year, figures compiled by Tamperelainen from the Memory Association show. Family members often notice the first changes. Early signs include problems with memory, slower information processing, reduced initiative and shifts in mood or personality. Around one in three people over 65 experience memory symptoms; these do not always indicate dementia and can result from stress or poor sleep. Repeat or worsening symptoms should prompt medical evaluation.

Memory Week runs from 21 to 27 September under the theme "Ask about dementia." On Monday 21 September Tampere's main library Metso will host an Alzheimer’s Day, where gerontology docent Jari Pirhonen speaks in Lehmus Hall from 13:00 to 14:30. Tampere is also taking part in national dementia research efforts: the FinDementia shingles vaccine trial began recruiting in Tampere earlier this year the FinDementia trial, and the city is organising nearly 100 low-threshold cultural events for older residents this autumn to reach those with limited mobility programmes for older Tampere residents.