Dementia Institute
A Word from Our Director
When people hear the word dementia, they often think first of loss. Loss of memory, abilities and independence. Yet every day, we meet people who remind us that life does not end with a diagnosis. That behind the diagnosis is still a person with their own story, relationships, needs and joys – and the right to make decisions about their own life.
This is why Dementia Institut was founded. We are here to offer guidance and support to people living with dementia and their families. We help professionals better understand the needs and experiences of people with dementia. And we strive to build greater understanding throughout society – because quality of life with dementia depends not only on the condition itself, but also on how those around us respond.
I know that a dementia-friendly society does not necessarily have all the answers. What matters is the willingness to understand and the ability to offer support where it is needed.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Need Help?
Our Memory Centres Are Here for You
When something changes, it helps to understand why. Forgetfulness, difficulties with orientation or changes in everyday functioning do not necessarily mean dementia. But they are worth paying attention to. At our Memory Centres, we offer a welcoming space where you can talk through your concerns, receive an initial assessment of your cognitive abilities and explore possible next steps together with our team.
Our Memory Centres are located throughout the Central Bohemian Region. You can turn to us if you feel uncertain, need information about available support or simply want to know what to do next. And because some matters are best addressed in a familiar environment, we can also visit you in your own home.
Towards a Dementia-Friendly Czech Republic
Dementia-Friendly Society is a nationwide initiative bringing together local authorities, service providers, healthcare professionals and the wider public to help people living with dementia in the Czech Republic lead their lives with greater confidence, dignity and support – and remain active members of their communities.
For us, being dementia-friendly means being prepared. It means building communities where everyone recognises that they have a role to play.
We are transforming individual activities into a coordinated system: connecting regional teams and Memory Centres, providing education and training, establishing clear standards and developing a map of dementia-friendly places. Places where people know how to respond when they encounter someone living with dementia.
Because dementia does not mean the end of life. But when we stop seeing the person behind the diagnosis, we lose sight of what truly matters.
Our projects
We talk about dementia. Sometimes a little differently.
Whether we like it or not, dementia is part of our society. That's why we bring the conversation into everyday life – onto city streets, into public buildings, schools, libraries and other places where people come together.
We organise Runs Against Dementia, exhibitions and other public awareness events. At Café Včera (Café Yesterday), we invite people to share memories and stories, and talk about dementia over a cup of coffee. And through Demetrix, our experiential escape room, we give participants an opportunity to discover what it feels like when the world around them suddenly becomes difficult to understand.
We take different approaches to achieve a common goal: to raise awareness of dementia, reduce fear and misconceptions, and help society better understand and support people living with it.