KRC Genk and Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen Make (Young) Dementia Discussable

KRC Genk and Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen Make (Young) Dementia Discussable

The KRC Genk FRZA! Foundation and Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen have joined forces for three years to make (young) dementia a subject of discussion. With the collaboration, the two partners commit themselves to setting up various actions and events in the coming years to give different forms of dementia the necessary attention within society. The first event is planned for the end of March. Then the KRC Jongdementia Café in the Cegeka Arena will open its doors for the first time. A first Belgium.

Every four seconds, someone somewhere in the world gets dementia. The chance that someone will develop dementia is 1 in 5. For the first time, the disease is also the number one cause of death in Belgium. Dementia has different faces. If the diagnosis falls before the age of 65, it is referred to as young-onset dementia.

Getting the diagnosis is often perceived as a death sentence. Old-age dementia, commonly referred to as ‘Alzheimer’, has far-reaching consequences. The consequences are even more serious if you are diagnosed at a (relatively) young age. Young onset dementia is a drama, both for the person affected and his or her family. To make dementia in Genk and by extension the whole of Flanders more open to discussion, the KRC Genk FRZA! Foundation and Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen join forces. To make dementia in Genk and by extension the whole of Flanders more open to discussion, the KRC Genk FRZA! Foundation and Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen join forces. To make dementia in Genk and by extension the whole of Flanders more open to discussion, the KRC Genk FRZA! Foundation and Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen join forces.

Rudy Poedts, director of Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen says;

“One of our core tasks is therefore raising awareness. Not only to interpret misunderstood behavior through targeted information, but also to ensure that people can continue to participate in society for as long as possible. So keeping a hobby is very, very important.”

Rudy Poedts, Director of Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen

The various partners want to set up various actions to give dementia the necessary attention within society.

KRC Genk is not ready with this initiative. With the wheelchair grandstand, commentary for the blind and grandstand G, the club wants as many people from society to enjoy football as possible. With this collaboration, the Limburgers are once again taking their commitment to society one step further.

Café Pierre becomes KRC Jongdementie Café on non-match days

A first event is planned at the end of March. Café Pierre (café in the KRC Genk stadium, named after club legend Pierre Denier) will then be renamed the KRC Jongdementie Café on non-match days. People with young onset dementia, partners and children can find each other there in a family atmosphere. Lectures and workshops will be given together with Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen.

“As a club, we want to be a living room for society, so that people with (young) dementia and their environment can also find their way to our club. Our message to them is clear: don’t get hung up on it. The door of the KRC Young Dementia Café is open. You can tell your story with us”

Niel Janssen Community Coordinator of KRC Genk.

Erik Gerits, general manager of KRC Genk adds;

“Dementia and its consequences are still too often underexposed. As a club, we want to put the spotlight on the theme and make it more negotiable than ever. With the start of the KRC Jongdementie Café, we are taking a great first step in our commitment,”

Erik Gerits, General Manager of KRC Genk