Portimão Municipality Helps Open New Alzheimer Portugal Headquarters in the Algarve and Expand Support for People with Dementia
At the end of April, the new facilities of the Algarve Branch of Alzheimer Portugal were officially inaugurated in Portimão, during a ceremony presided over by Álvaro Bila, Mayor of Portimão. The event gathered institutional representatives, partners, donors, volunteers, caregivers, and people living with dementia.
This significant milestone was made possible through a financial cooperation agreement between Alzheimer Portugal – the Portuguese Association of Families and Friends of People with Alzheimer’s – and the Municipality of Portimão. Under this agreement, the municipality fully covers the annual rent of the new premises, totaling €9,600.
Located in the São Francisco Urbanization, near the Portimão Museum, the new headquarters are more spacious and better equipped, allowing the organization to reach more people and offer a wider and more diverse range of services and support. The facilities include a training room where psychology consultations, neuropsychological assessments, and cognitive stimulation sessions take place; an activity room; an accessible bathroom for people with reduced mobility; a technical office; an archive room; and a terrace providing a pleasant space for leisure and socialization.
In addition to this exceptional support, the Municipality of Portimão annually signs a program contract with Alzheimer Portugal for operational and investment purposes, similar to other local institutions. This reflects the municipality’s recognition of the association’s vital role in defending the rights and delivering specialized care to people with dementia and their caregivers — a recognition also expressed by Mayor Álvaro Bila during the inauguration:
“We can only thank you for your persistence and the work you’ve been doing,” he said, reaffirming the municipality’s full commitment to continue supporting this initiative that improves the lives of those facing the challenges of dementia.
Edite Reis, coordinator of the Algarve Branch of Alzheimer Portugal, highlighted the journey of dedication and growth behind the project:
“When there is will, commitment, a dream, and belief, it is possible to achieve great things, grow, and serve the community.”
She also emphasized that the branch acts as a true “safe haven” for people living with dementia, who often face isolation, as well as for their families.
Since its establishment in 2020, the Algarve Branch — headquartered in Portimão and with a satellite office in Lagoa — has recorded 1,687 in-person and telephone appointments, 112 psychological consultations, 11 neuropsychological assessments, and 30 individual cognitive stimulation sessions. Its services also include psychoeducational groups, support groups (including sessions in English for the expat community), and cognitive stimulation groups for people in the early stages of dementia.
Café Memória: A Space for Support and Sharing Driven by Volunteer Commitment
Among the key initiatives supported by the Municipality is Café Memória, a welcoming space for people with memory problems or dementia, their families, friends, and caregivers.
Running since September 2022 in the training room of the Portimão Museum, this initiative is a partnership between the Municipality of Portimão, Alzheimer Portugal, and Sonae Sierra. It takes place on the second Saturday of each month, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Participation is free and no prior registration is required. Café Memória has already held 30 sessions with over 750 participants. Each session offers a safe and friendly environment with informative talks, opportunities for socializing, and peer support, led by healthcare and social professionals and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. These volunteers provide more personalized attention to attendees.
Since the project’s beginning, around 30 volunteers have contributed to Café Memória, with about 20 participating in additional actions in 2024, such as Passeio da Memória (Memory Walk) or public awareness events. All volunteers receive specialized dementia training from the association. Many are former caregivers who chose to remain involved with the branch, helping foster a more understanding, inclusive, and prepared community.
This initiative has become a local point of reference in combating social isolation and raising awareness about dementia through emotional support and experience sharing.
Contact Information and IRS Donation to Alzheimer Portugal
The new headquarters of the Algarve Branch of Alzheimer Portugal is located at Urbanização São Francisco, Lote 2, Loja 2, ground floor, right unit, in Portimão. It is open Monday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, by appointment only. For appointments or inquiries, contact +351 965 276 690 (national mobile network call) or email geral.algarve@alzheimerportugal.org.
Alzheimer Portugal, the municipality’s partner in developing support services for people with dementia and their families, can also be supported through the allocation of 1% of personal income tax (IRS), at no extra cost to the taxpayer.
Until June 30, while filling out Box 11 of IRS Form Model 3, taxpayers should select “Private Social Solidarity Institutions or Public Utility Legal Persons” and enter the tax ID number (NIF) 502 069 635 (Alzheimer Portugal). For those using the automatic IRS, the option is found in the “Pre-settlement” section, where you just indicate your intent to donate 1% of your IRS and insert the same NIF.
This simple gesture can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many people affected by dementia and their families.
