1st International Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Race

After many years of continuous research, we have now reached encouraging outcomes—not just in diagnosis, treatment, and management, but in something even more significant… PREVENTION! For the first time, we hold in our hands studies and research that show DEMENTIA CAN BE PREVENTED by up to 45%!

With the aim of highlighting the importance of prevention, the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders took the initiative to organize the 1st International Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Race.

The first run took place with great success in April 2025 in Thessaloniki, as part of the 19th International Marathon “Alexander the Great”, while the second was held in October 2025 during the 13th Thessaloniki International Night Half Marathon. The initiative continues in 2026, with another major participation in the Anniversary Thessaloniki Marathon “Alexander the Great”.

Who Can Participate

Participation is open to everyone.

We invite:

• members and friends of our organizations
• caregivers and families of patients
• doctors and healthcare professionals
• students and young people
• school pupils and educational institutions
• any citizen who wishes to support prevention

Even young children can run for their grandparents, sending a message of love and hope.

Participation in Other Marathon Races

Those who wish may also take part in the other races of the Marathon:

We Run for Research

The funds raised through participation fees are allocated exclusively to research scholarships for dementia. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding Greek students, supporting scientific research for the prevention and treatment of the disease. The first scholarship recipients were announced at the 14th Panhellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Conference, held in February 2025 in Thessaloniki.

The Need for the Road Race

Dementia is one of the greatest challenges of modern society. Today, more than 50 million people worldwide live with dementia, while in Greece the number is estimated at around 200,000 patients.

Dementia is a long-term illness that deeply affects not only patients but also their families. In Greece alone, nearly one million families are challenged by what can often feel like a difficult and exhausting “marathon of life.” The burden is particularly heavy for caregivers, who face emotional, psychological, and financial challenges.

Globally, cancer and dementia are among the most widely recognized diseases of our time. This is why our initiative focuses on preventive action—raising awareness and mobilizing citizens, regardless of whether they have experienced dementia within their own families. Through this initiative, we aim to launch a global campaign for awareness and prevention.

A Message from Thessaloniki to the World

As President of the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and Emeritus Professor of Neurology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, I would like to emphasize that Greece has already taken important steps to support both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Significant progress has been made through:

• the development of a National Strategic Plan for Dementia
• the establishment of Day Care Centers
• Mobile Care Units
• residential facilities for middle and advanced stages of dementia
• community liaison services

Across the country, we continuously organize lectures, workshops, and conferences, many of which are also available online to support citizens who live far from urban centers.

Today, however, it is time to begin a new, ambitious, and hopeful effort: a global campaign for prevention. Scientific research now shows that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable. Most importantly, dementia is not inevitably linked to life expectancy. With the right preventive actions, awareness, and lifestyle changes, we can significantly reduce the risk and impact of the disease.