Alzheimer Association moves into new premises

Thanks to a most generous donation from Christoph Hürlimann of the Bentom AG company, the Alzheimer Association of Zug has been able to move into new premises on Gotthardstrasse, though its very future is uncertain due to lack of funds.
 
Kurt Balmer, 53, a solicitor in private practice in Zurich and a CVP member of the cantonal parliament from Rotkreuz (on the left in the photograph), has taken over as president of the association after Dr Claudia Hess-Candidas and Dr Markus Anliker (on the right in the same photograph) stood in on a temporary basis after Maya Seiler-Diggelmann stood down in April 2014.
 
The Alzheimer Association is there to help both those suffering from the condition and their relatives and has been active in implementing a national dementia strategy. While it does its best to help, the organisation is very much underfunded. Last year its income amounted to CHF 72,433.80 but its expenses totalled as much as CHF 149,335.49; hence a deficit of CHF 76,901.69 was recorded. Unlike in other cantons, there is no public body charged with providing support for Alzheimer sufferers and their relatives in Zug.
 
It is interesting to note that last year the organisation helped out in providing support in response to 104 telephone calls, 120 letters and 31 personal calls. Furthermore, there were 22 evening advisory sessions for relatives, and memory training sessions for sufferers were also organised. The association also arranged a number of events to make people more aware of problems associated with Alzheimer's disease.
 
Further events and advisory sessions have been organised for this year but because of lack of funding, as mentioned, the association's continued existence is at risk.
 
Anyone concerned about matters relating to dementia can call at the new premises at number 30 Gotthardstrasse between 8.30 am and 11.30 on Mondays or between 8.30 am and noon and 1.30 pm and 5.30 pm on Wednesdays when Annemarie Baggenstos will be pleased to give advice.