While there is no cure for dementia, adopting a healthier lifestyle can keep the brain active. One of the essential components? Social engagement. This is where Kerkrade’s ‘ontmoetingsbus’ comes in.
Communities across the world are finding innovative ways to combat dementia, and Kerkrade, a town in Limburg, Netherlands, is no exception. The ‘ontmoetingsbus’, a repurposed SRV vehicle, plays a key role in a new campaign called ‘We zijn zelf het medicijn’. Initiated by the municipal vitality project in partnership with Leeger des Heils and local residents, this campaign aims to highlight the significance of a healthy lifestyle in enhancing brain health.
A Healthy Lifestyle for a Healthy Brain
Remko van Vliet from Leeger des Heils emphasizes that while medical solutions for dementia may not exist, a healthy lifestyle can improve brain health. This includes regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, mental challenges, and ample socialization. It is this last element that the ‘ontmoetingsbus’ focuses on, offering a weekly platform in six different Kerkrade locations to encourage social interactions, sharing a cup of coffee and a slice of Limburg’s famous vlaai (tart).
Encouraging Community Engagement
Van Vliet believes in the power of consistent social engagements. He notes, “A regular meeting place helps, especially for older individuals with fewer social connections. They might only contribute a few words in their first visit, but they return every week.” While he is unsure why visitors stay, he theorizes, “Perhaps they find belonging here, a sense of community and acceptance.”
The Scope of Dementia in the Netherlands
As of 2019, over 114,000 people were diagnosed with dementia in the Netherlands according to general practitioners. Estimates suggest that approximately 290,000 individuals had dementia in 2021. Specifically, Kerkrade’s population of individuals with dementia is expected to reach 1,600 by 2050, doubling from the current 1,000.
The High Cost of Dementia
Jo Paas, municipal policy maker for elderly issues in Kerkrade, outlines the staggering financial impact. “In 2020, dementia costs reached €10.6 billion, the highest medical expenditure in the Netherlands. By 2040, the country could be short 50,000 beds for dementia patients in care homes.” Paas stresses the necessity of proactive individual measures in managing the frequency and intensity of dementia cases.
An Extra Layer of Support
While the primary purpose of the ‘ontmoetingsbus’ is to encourage social interactions and community participation, Van Vliet identifies its dual function. “We interact with various societal groups and immediately recognize individuals requiring additional care. This allows us to connect them with appropriate support services within the municipality.”
Paas elaborates, “It offers us greater insight into community issues and the specific challenges our population faces.” Both Van Vliet and Paas are passionate advocates for this initiative, emphasizing that everyone has a role in potentially delaying dementia progression through lifestyle changes.
Campaign Expansion Across South Limburg
The ‘We zijn zelf het medicijn’ campaign is poised for expansion across South Limburg. By spreading awareness about the benefits of a healthy, engaged lifestyle, they aim to create a foundation for better brain health among all residents.
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