What do children and teenagers think about dementia? Is dementia the same as Alzheimer’s disease? How do people living with dementia feel? And what about their families and caregivers? 

These were some of the questions explored by around 200 students aged 11 to 14 during an awareness-raising activity coordinated by FICYT, SESPA and Colectivo Berde as part of the Asturias pilot under JADE Health’s Work Package 10. The activity reflected WP10’s focus on vulnerable groups, awareness raising and stigma reduction, particularly through educational actions aimed at younger generations. 

The initiative was delivered through a series of sessions designed from a multidisciplinary perspective, combining audiovisual materials, open discussion and guided activities to help students approach dementia not only as a health condition, but also as a deeply human and social reality. Several parents and family members also attended the sessions, further reinforcing the intergenerational and community dimension of the activity. 

A central part of the activity was the use of two short films: Where the Ocean Meets the Sea (2024), produced by Otsuka, and Memo (2017), produced by GOBELINS Paris. These films offered different perspectives on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, including the point of view of a person living with the condition, that of family members and caregivers, and that of a young child trying to understand what dementia means. 

The audiovisual component was complemented by the opportunity for students to ask questions directly, in an open setting, to Carmen Solares, a researcher specialised in neuropsychology involved in JADE Health. This format gave participants the space to express doubts, reflections and concerns in a natural way, helping to create a closer and more dynamic dialogue around issues such as memory loss, care, emotions, stigma and the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

The activity also included guided creative exercises designed to connect the topic of dementia with students’ own experiences and memories. In “Your Memory Notebook”, they were invited to write down a smell, a meal, a memory or a song they would not want to forget. In “My Museum”, they reflected on the things that matter most to them and that they would want to preserve because of their personal and emotional value. Through these activities, the sessions encouraged children and teenagers to think about memory, identity and emotions in a personal and meaningful way. 

The impact of the activity could also be seen in the reflections shared by participants. Some students expressed how the sessions had helped them better understand dementia in personal terms, with comments such as “Now I understand my great-grandmother better”, “I understand that her anger and fears are not on purpose”, and “This session made me realise that I need to spend more time with the older people I love.” These reactions showed how the activity helped turn information into empathy, encouraging a more respectful and compassionate understanding of people living with dementia. 

By combining scientific and social perspectives, the activity created a space where young people could better understand dementia from multiple angles. It helped them see that dementia is not only a clinical issue, but also one that involves feelings, relationships, dignity and the importance of treating people with respect. The emphasis on non-stigmatising language and person-centred understanding also reflected the broader goals of JADE Health in promoting more inclusive and compassionate approaches to dementia. 

Through actions like this one, the Asturias pilot shows how SESPA and FICYT, and collaborating organisations can contribute to JADE Health’s broader mission of raising awareness, reducing stigma and improving understanding of dementia across Europe. By engaging children, teenagers and families in open, creative and respectful conversations, the initiative helps build the foundations for more informed, empathetic and inclusive communities.