News

University launches CONNECT, a forum about dementia

  • Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE)
    University / Central Administration and Rectorate
    18 June 2020
  • Category
    Research, University
  • Topic
    Psychology, Neurosciences & Behavioural Economics

The University of Luxembourg, with support from the Fondation du Grand-Duc et de la Grande-Duchesse, is launching an online forum to facilitate communication on the subject of dementia (Alzheimer’s disease and related types of dementia). Anyone can access the CONNECT forum, but it is especially intended for people who have been diagnosed with dementia or are worried about this subject or their loved ones.

In addition to offering information about the disease, the forum provides an anonymous environment that is accessible at all times, where persons can get support from people living with this situation, as well as from specialists.

As part of CONNECT, the University has partnered with organisations working in the field of active ageing or dementia (i.e., Association Luxembourg Alzheimer, Info-Zenter Demenz, Programme Démence Prévention, RBS-Center fir Altersfroen and ZithaSenior). This means that people with dementia and their relatives will be able to benefit from advice provided by professionals in these fields.

This project is funded by the Fondation du Grand-Duc et de la Grande-Duchesse as part of the funds raised at the wedding of Their Royal Highnesses the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duchess.

The benefits of a communication forum in Luxembourg

As there is currently no medical treatment to cure dementia, support for people with dementia and their relatives is a priority. CONNECT offers an informal communication space where anonymity facilitates dialogue and the discussion of difficult and personal topics, such as caregiver fatigue or suicidal thoughts.

CONNECT thus complements the information and support already available in Luxembourg. It contributes in the national effort to reduce social isolation and the taboo related to dementia, as described in the objectives set out by the 2013 National Action Plan on Dementia Diseases from the Ministry of Family and Integration and the Ministry of Health.

Based on projections made by Alzheimer Europe (2019), approximately 7,500 people currently have dementia in Luxembourg, and this figure may increase to 8,900 by 2025.

The CONNECT platform

The CONNECT forum is accessible at www.connect.demence.lu, as well as directly from the site www.demenz.lu/www.demence.lu of the Ministry of Family Affairs, Integration and the Greater Region and the Ministry of Health, the first dementia information portal in the Grand Duchy. The platform is available in French and German, and messages on the forum can be written in French, German or Luxembourgish.

Initiated by Prof. Dieter Ferring, CONNECT is now led by Prof. Anna Kornadt and Prof. Christine Schiltz from the University of Luxembourg.