The Treviso Dementia-Friendly Community Project was officially launched on 22 April 2022 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at reducing the stigma associated with dementia and strengthening support for people living with the condition and their families. Since its inception, the initiative has evolved into a comprehensive community-based model that promotes inclusion, awareness, and social participation through a broad network of local institutions, healthcare providers, public services, cultural organizations, and municipalities.
Link to Veneto Regional Social Policies
The Treviso Dementia-Friendly Community Project is closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the Veneto Region’s social and health policies, which promote integrated, community-based approaches to care, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Particular emphasis has been placed at regional level on supporting people living with cognitive impairment and dementia through the strengthening of Dementia and Cognitive Disorders Centres (CDCDs) and the development of Dementia-Friendly Communities. These initiatives place dignity, quality of life, and social participation at the centre of intervention, recognising people with dementia not only as recipients of care but as active members of the community and contributors to the development of a more inclusive welfare system.
The project reflects the Veneto Region’s commitment to preserving and strengthening its long-standing model of health and social care integration, while promoting accessibility, independent living, and community-based support. In line with regional priorities, the initiative works not only on individual needs but also on the environments in which people live, strengthening local networks, public services, cultural institutions, municipalities, families, and community organisations.
Through awareness-raising, early detection, caregiver support, professional training, and the creation of dementia-friendly environments, the project contributes to building a more inclusive and supportive community where people living with dementia can continue to participate actively, safely, and with dignity in everyday life.
Building a Territorial Network (2022–2024)
Over the past three years, the project has significantly expanded its reach and impact across the Treviso area. In 2024, the partnership network was extended to seven additional municipalities—Arcade, Breda di Piave, Maserada sul Piave, Ponzano Veneto, Povegliano, Spresiano, and Villorba—further consolidating the “Dementia-Friendly Municipality” model.
At the same time, community-based services have been strengthened. The Specialist Dementia Centre (CSD) of ISRAA/EnEA increased its home visits within the SAPAD programme from 1,370 in 2023 to 1,665 in 2024, ensuring more accessible and person-centred support for individuals and families.
The project has also promoted prevention and early awareness through initiatives such as the free cognitive screening campaign “Fatti un tagliando” (“Give Yourself a Check-up”), which engaged hundreds of citizens aged over 60. In parallel, travelling Alzheimer Cafés provided opportunities for socialisation, information, and mutual support, attracting around 600 participants in 2024 alone.
Training Public Services for Dementia Inclusion (2025)
A key pillar of the initiative has been the development of dementia-sensitive public services. Between May and October 2025, in collaboration with the Prefecture of Treviso and the Municipal Administration, the Specialist Dementia Centre delivered dedicated training programmes for approximately 150 officers from the State Police, Carabinieri, and Local Police.
The training equipped officers with practical knowledge and communication skills to interact appropriately and effectively with people living with dementia, whether visiting public offices or encountered during daily service activities. This intervention contributed to enhancing both the safety and dignity of vulnerable citizens while fostering a more inclusive public environment.
Culture and Community Engagement
The project recognises culture as a powerful tool for wellbeing, participation, and social inclusion. Specially designed museum visits have been organised at the Museo Bailo and the Salce Collection, enabling people with dementia to engage with art in a supportive and accessible setting. Thanks to funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), a further eight cultural outings are scheduled in 2026 for participants of local Relief Centres.
Intergenerational awareness has also been a central component of the initiative. Educational activities for teachers and storytelling workshops for children in local schools have promoted empathy, understanding, and knowledge about dementia among younger generations.
Among the most emblematic initiatives is the travelling photographic exhibition “Every Life is a Masterpiece”, portraying older residents recreating famous works of art. The exhibition has toured across Italy, conveying a powerful message about dignity, identity, and the value of every person beyond their illness.
The 2026 Conference: Strengthening Community Commitment
The three-year journey culminated in the conference “A Dementia-Friendly Community”, held on 22 April 2026 at the historic Palazzo dei Trecento in Treviso. Organised by EnEA, the event provided a public forum for reflection and exchange among professionals, institutions, and community stakeholders.
The conference reaffirmed the commitment of the territorial network in responding to the growing prevalence of dementia, reviewed the achievements of the project, and highlighted strategies to combat social isolation. It also featured scientific and community-focused contributions from leading experts, including Professor Marco Trabucchi and Professor Laura Calzà.
Impact
The Treviso Dementia-Friendly Community Project demonstrates how a coordinated, community-based approach can transform the experience of people living with dementia and their families. By combining healthcare, public services, culture, education, and civic engagement, the initiative has created a more inclusive and supportive environment, serving as a replicable model for other territories seeking to become truly dementia-friendly communities.
A DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY CITY
Official Name of Signatory
Delegation
Europe
Website of the Signatory
Name of the person presenting the Good Practice
Paola Roma - Referee
Position/Job Title of person presenting the Good Practice
Regional Minister of Social Services of the Veneto Region
Aim of the Good Practice
Aim of the Good Practice The aim of the Treviso Dementia-Friendly Community Project is to create an inclusive and supportive community for people living with dementia and their families by reducing stigma, promoting awareness, and strengthening social participation. The initiative seeks to improve quality of life through a coordinated, community-based approach that brings together healthcare services, local authorities, public institutions, cultural organisations, schools, and citizens. The project aims to ensure that people with dementia can continue to live safely, actively, and with dignity within their communities. To achieve this, it promotes early detection and support services, enhances the dementia awareness and skills of frontline public service professionals, fosters social inclusion through cultural and educational activities, and develops a territorial network of municipalities committed to becoming dementia-friendly communities.
Target Group of the Good Practice
Family Unit, Parents, Children & Youth, Women, Older Person / Disabilities
Annual Monitoring Report
2026
Implementation period
2025 2026 and ongoing
Consistency over time
The Treviso Dementia-Friendly Community Project has demonstrated strong consistency and sustainability since its launch in April 2022. Over the years, the initiative has evolved from a local agreement into a structured territorial network involving municipalities, healthcare providers, public institutions, cultural organisations, schools, law enforcement agencies, and civil society stakeholders. The project has maintained a continuous programme of activities, including home-based support services, cognitive screening campaigns, Alzheimer Cafés, awareness-raising events, educational initiatives in schools, and dementia-friendly cultural programmes. At the same time, it has progressively expanded its territorial coverage, with seven additional municipalities joining the network in 2024. Evidence of continuity is reflected in the increasing number of home visits provided through the SAPAD programme, the regular organisation of community initiatives, and the integration of dementia awareness into public services through the training of law enforcement personnel in 2025. The project has also secured additional resources, including PNRR funding for cultural inclusion activities planned for 2026. The annual monitoring reports, the renewal of stakeholder commitment, and the organisation of the 2026 conference “Dementia-Friendly Community” demonstrate the long-term institutional support behind the initiative. These elements confirm that the project is not a one-off intervention but an ongoing and growing public policy aimed at building a sustainable dementia-friendly community over time.
Evaluation of the Good Practice
The evaluation of the Treviso Dementia-Friendly Community Project is based on a combination of quantitative indicators, stakeholder engagement, and evidence of community impact collected through annual monitoring activities. The results achieved between 2022 and 2026 demonstrate a progressive strengthening of the initiative. The territorial network expanded significantly, with seven additional municipalities joining the project in 2024, confirming the attractiveness and replicability of the dementia-friendly community model. Service delivery indicators show a growing demand for support and an increased capacity to respond to community needs. Home visits provided through the SAPAD programme increased from 1,370 in 2023 to 1,665 in 2024, while community-based initiatives such as the free cognitive screening campaign and the travelling Alzheimer Cafés engaged hundreds of older citizens and approximately 600 participants in 2024 alone. The project also generated measurable institutional impact through the training of around 150 law enforcement officers, improving the ability of public services to interact appropriately with people living with dementia and contributing to a safer and more inclusive environment. Beyond quantitative results, the initiative has strengthened awareness and social inclusion through cultural programmes, school-based educational activities, public events, and communication campaigns. These actions have helped reduce stigma, increase community understanding of dementia, and promote the active participation of people living with the condition. The continued expansion of the partnership network, the sustained implementation of activities over several years, the allocation of additional resources for future actions, and the public recognition reflected in the 2026 conference all indicate a positive and lasting impact. Overall, the evaluation highlights the project's effectiveness in building a dementia-friendly ecosystem that supports people with dementia, caregivers, professionals, and the wider community.
Key stakeholders and partnerships
Governments (national, regional, local), Public administration, Social protection system, Service sector (Educational and childcare institutions), Healthcare providers, NGOs
Link for more information
Future Goal 1
Expand the Dementia-Friendly Community Network Further extend the network of participating municipalities and local stakeholders to ensure that more communities adopt dementia-friendly policies and practices. The objective is to create a coordinated territorial model that guarantees equal access to support, information, and inclusive services across the wider Treviso area. Viewing dementia not only as a condition of vulnerability requiring care and support, but also as an opportunity to strengthen community networks and intergenerational solidarity. Particular attention will be given to recognising and supporting the active role of family caregivers and relatives as valuable resources for the community, fostering social inclusion, mutual support, and the active participation of people living with dementia and their families in community life.