The headquarters of the Association of Relatives of People with Alzheimer's and other Dementias of Novelda (AFA Novelda) served as the central venue for the commemoration of World Alzheimer's Day. The event, under the slogan “No is no longer the answer,” aimed to raise awareness about the reality faced by individuals affected by this disease and their families, as well as to call for progress in research and access to new treatments.
The event was attended by members of the government team, municipal representatives, association professionals, users, and family members. A manifesto was read, focusing on the needs and difficulties encountered by people with Alzheimer's and their families, emphasizing the importance of continued progress in research and access to therapeutic alternatives.
Víctor Pacheco, president of AFA Novelda, along with the association's professionals, read the manifesto. This document advocates for a response to therapeutic advancements, noting that “the recent authorization in Europe of new treatments capable of slowing the progression of the disease represents a breakthrough after decades without therapies aimed at modifying its course.” The manifesto calls for these advances to translate into “more time and greater autonomy for people with Alzheimer's,” advocating for equitable access to new treatments, regardless of place of residence.
The document also highlighted the right of diagnosed individuals to participate in decisions about their lives, demanding that those who retain decision-making capacity be provided with sufficient information about the benefits and risks of treatments to make their own choices alongside healthcare professionals.
The Councillor for Health, Mélani Sánchez, thanked AFA Novelda for its “tireless” work and highlighted the association's commitment. She conveyed the City Council's support for the demands related to disease visibility and research advancement. Sánchez confirmed the municipal commitment to local socio-health entities, both financially and through initiatives that promote visibility. She recalled the subsidies allocated to these entities and the solidarity race benefiting AFA Novelda scheduled for the upcoming Sunday.
The commemorative program will continue on Sunday, September 27, with a solidarity race benefiting AFA Novelda, as part of the Neighborhood League of athletics. The event, promoted by the Department of Sports, will start at 10:00 AM from the AFA Novelda headquarters. All registration fees will be donated entirely to the association.
Interested individuals can register through the Dorsal21 platform or in person on the day of the race. This initiative joins the various activities held throughout September to raise awareness about the disease, sensitize the public, and value the support and care that AFA Novelda provides.
