by InTrieste
As World Alzheimer’s Day approaches on September 21, an innovative new initiative aimed at supporting those affected by dementia and their caregivers has rolled into action in Trieste. The de Banfield Association, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding the elderly, unveiled its latest project: a mobile memory clinic named “Get Your Brain in Gear,” designed to bring much-needed dementia services directly to the city’s residents.
The centerpiece of this initiative is a purple van, set to crisscross Trieste and its surrounding towns year-round. It offers free consultations, memory assessments, cognitive stimulation tips, and support for caregivers, particularly those unable to easily access centralized services. The mobile unit, developed in collaboration with the Trieste municipality and funded by the Berta and Alfredo Giovanni Dorni Foundation, aims to reduce the isolation that often accompanies both aging and dementia.
“This is about reaching people where they are, especially those who are not comfortable seeking help or simply don’t know how to access it,” said a spokesperson for de Banfield. “By taking these services directly into the community, we hope to break down the barriers that keep so many from getting the support they need.”
From September 16 through September 21, the van is stationed in Piazza della Borsa, offering free memory evaluations and advice to passersby. In addition, a striking installation known as the “Purple Forest” stands nearby, designed to prompt reflection on the value of memory. Inspired by the Japanese Tanzaku tradition, where people write their wishes on small paper strips and hang them on bamboo trees, the installation invites residents to share a memory by hanging it on vibrant purple trees.
The van’s journey is not just confined to the city center. Every month, it will visit different neighborhoods and rural communities across the province, addressing a pressing issue faced by many families: the difficulty of accessing support in more isolated areas. For caregivers—often elderly themselves—traveling to the city for help can be a significant burden. The van aims to ease this strain by bringing health professionals, including neuropsychologists, social workers, and nurses, directly to these communities.
In Italy, where nearly 1.2 million people suffer from dementia, services for Alzheimer’s patients can be limited and fragmented. For many families, the stigma surrounding dementia remains a significant hurdle to seeking help. “We’ve seen firsthand how many caregivers hesitate to ask for support,” said the de Banfield spokesperson. “There’s still a lack of awareness about what dementia is, and how early intervention can make a significant difference.”
As part of Trieste’s wider efforts to mark World Alzheimer’s Month, several other awareness campaigns are also underway. “Add Some Purple to Your Plate,” an initiative involving over 60 restaurants across the province, encourages local chefs to incorporate purple-themed dishes into their menus. Diners are offered informational materials on dementia and can contribute donations to CasaViola, de Banfield’s center for Alzheimer’s support.
Another initiative, “I Light Up Purple,” will see landmarks across Trieste bathed in purple light on September 21. From the Neptune Fountain to the Trieste Lighthouse, and even the regional government buildings, the city will glow purple in a symbolic show of solidarity with those living with dementia.
These events are part of a broader movement in Trieste to address the challenges faced by Italy’s aging population. The country has one of the highest percentages of elderly citizens in the world, making the need for innovative approaches to elder care all the more urgent. With projects like “Get Your Brain in Gear,” Trieste is becoming a model for how local communities can step in where larger systems have left gaps.
For the families grappling with the realities of dementia, the presence of the purple van on their doorstep is more than just a convenience—it is a lifeline.
“Memory is everything,” one passerby wrote on a paper leaf hung from a purple tree in Piazza della Borsa. “And it’s terrifying to think it could slip away.”
