IRCCS Santa Maria Nuova

13th March – Opening Conference: successful aging and dementia. Speakers presented the state of art about dementia, prevention, risk factors and novel treatment. Participants: 150 people 15th March – Meeting on Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. Audience included both parents and children with learning difficulties, but also teachers, educators and professionals.Speakers talked about new diagnostic criteria and novel treatments. Dr. Ghidoni concluded by talking about the new law proposal he is currently dIscussing to the Italian Parliament. Participants: 70-80 17th March at Palazzo Magnani – The musical brain: unexpected resources for cognitive enpowerment. Dr.Ghidoni spoke about the relationships between music and the brain, and the therapeutic potential of music. Lastly, he explained how early musical training can improve verbal functions such as reading, becoming an effective intervention for learning disorders and dyslexia. The latest research on these topics together with clinical cases has been exposed to a non-specialist audience. Audience included general population, musicians and teachers. Over 150 participants. 18th March – Memory Screening Day. Free for all the participants (over 150 people received). 15 clinics and more than 30 operators were involved in the organization and management of the event. About 20% of participants obtained low scores on screening tests and they have been called for further investigation, conducted at the ASMN Neurology Unit. Local health authorities have been enthusiastic about the initiative and we were asked to organize similar events every year. The program and complete report are available upon request.

Participants were enthusiastic about events. We have received many emails of thanks and video requests (complete videos of the events are available for free upon request). Our events have increased the awareness of the population regarding dementia and neuroscience in general.