ADawarE raises awareness of dementia in Europe

The European project “ADawarE – Dementia Awareness Education,” launched in October 2025, aims to provide the first comprehensive overview of successful dementia awareness initiatives. The University for Continuing Education Krems is participating as the Austrian project partner, contributing expertise from established awareness-raising projects and learning programs for various professional groups.

Public awareness of dementia varies widely across Europe. While some countries run broad, long-standing information campaigns, others are only beginning systematic awareness-raising efforts. Under the EU’s Erasmus+ program, Austria – together with Norway – is among the partner countries that already have extensive experience in dementia education.

These include an electronic learning program designed for the Austrian police and local authorities. “Electronic learning programs can be easily integrated into other international settings and offer a cost-effective alternative to in-person training,” says Prof. Stefanie Auer, Head of the Department for Dementia Research and Nursing Science. These existing initiatives now form a valuable foundation for ADawarE and underscore the importance of the involvement of the University for Continuing Education Krems

Special Focus

ADawarE places particular emphasis on two vulnerable groups: people living in remote areas and migrant communities, who often have limited access to health information due to language, social, or structural barriers. Their existing knowledge of dementia and their needs are being gathered through focus groups, while digital solutions will be used primarily for informational events in hard-to-reach locations, including islands and rural regions.

All materials, tools, and activities developed during the project will be compiled and made freely available. A central portion of this work will be carried out at the University for Continuing Education Krems, where the project outputs will be structured, consolidated, and made accessible. This will make it possible in the future to obtain an overview of proven awareness-raising measures across Europe and to design tailored information campaigns

With a lasting impact

The project will run for three years, with initial results expected in 2027. ADawarE aims to enhance the knowledge of caregivers and volunteers, reduce stigma, improve digital health literacy among older adults and their communities, and strengthen the foundation for cooperation among European partners.

“Cooperation at the European level is vital to advancing support for people with dementia and their families and caregivers, enabling early detection, jointly promoting scientific progress, and addressing the significant disparities in care across Europe,” says Auer.

Alongside the University for Continuing Education Krems, organizations from the health and education sectors in Norway, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are participating in the initiative. The project is coordinated by Helse Stavanger HF, a clinical research center in Norway.