MSTE -ETHICS the World Alzheimer Day

On the occasion of the World Alzheimer's Day (21 September), the I.I.S. G. Romani of Casalmaggiore (Italy) held a conference on Alzheimer's disease on 27 October for the students of the fifth year of the science course and the fourth year of the sanitary course

The lecture held by the medical and health staff of the E. Germani Foundation, took place in the Aula Magna of the school and was organised by the students of class 5B of the science High School as part of the project "Promotion of Scientific Culture", directed by Professor Valentina Strina.

The E. Germani Foundation, located in Cingia Dè Botti (CR), has been providing health care and assistance to Alzheimer  patients and their families for 125 years and has played a central role in territorial, provincial and regional planning for personal services. The Foundation also offers various services to citizens, such as home care and assistance in the fields of geriatrics and disability.

The introduction to the congress - a general presentation on Alzheimer's disease - was prepared by two students of the science class 5B: Federica Schiattarella and Federica Tartaglione. This aimed to share the scientific background on the topic, usually studied in the fourth year.

Congress speakers, presented by students Gaia Boschini and Nicolò Doselli, were:

• Dr Isabella Salimbeni - Geriatrician and Health Director of the Germani Foundation, who spoke about Alzheimer's disease (from diagnosis and prevention to the fight against prejudice),
• Dr. Camilla Tagliasacchi - occupational therapist, who presented the Therapeutic Garden andintroduced the prosthetic model in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease,
• Dr. Mario Cucumo and Dr. Michele Merlini - nursing coordinators of the territory, who spoke about the socio-health profession and the importance of today's work with fragile patients.

Dr Salimbeni's interesting presentation highlighted the importance of empathy in communicating with Alzheimer's patients and the role of prevention, which is more fundamental for young people than for those over 60.

Dr Tagliasacchi then spoke about the recent inauguration of the Therapeutic Garden "Nature that cures", located on the ground floor of the structure in connection with the Alzheimer's department and equipped with all kinds of activities suitable for the patients' condition. A newly designed place that will help Alzheimer's patients orient themselves with the aromas of the garden and by growing some simple vegetables. A way to further stimulate these people to give them more serenity.

The congress ended with a speech by Dr Merlini. He spoke about the economic aspects of the disease for the health system and for families, including its less obvious features.

Objectives were pursued during the congress such as:

• Dignity: human dignity is the foundation on which mutual respect is built, and the Germani Foundation aims to recognise and preserve the dignity of Alzheimer's patients.
• Ethics, which guides the choices that contribute to a more equal social system.
• Inclusion, the bridge that unites diversity
• Equality, allowing everyone to participate in social life with the same dignity and opportunities.
• Determination, the silent engine that turns challenges into opportunities; both Alzheimer's patients and the staff who work with them are determined to slow the progression of the disease.
• Courage, giving the patient's relatives the strength to face fears and challenges.
• Solidarity, to accept the disease and pursue closeness to their loved ones despite their condition.