Walking the Talk for Dementia: A Catalyst For Change in the Global Dementia Landscape

TL;DR

Walking the Talk for Dementia is a global initiative combining a pilgrimage and symposium to reduce dementia stigma and inspire advocacy through immersive, intergenerational experiences.

Contribution

The initiative introduces a novel, experiential model for dementia advocacy that integrates physical activity, dialogue, and lived experience to drive global change.

Findings

Participants reported high satisfaction and found the WTD format more effective for networking and engagement than traditional conferences.

Thematic analysis revealed that the event had a transformative impact on participants, fostering empathy and reducing stigma.

The initiative successfully engaged a diverse, multinational group, highlighting its potential as a catalyst for global dementia advocacy.

Abstract

Walking the Talk for Dementia (WTD) is an innovative global initiative that challenges the stigma surrounding dementia, fosters intergenerational and multidisciplinary dialogue, and inspires a renewed sense of purpose among participants. The annual event combines a four-day, 40 km pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, with a two-day symposium, creating an immersive space to reflect on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and societal dimensions of dementia. WTD prioritizes multicultural and multistakeholder engagement, elevating the voices and improving the quality of life of people living with dementia, care partners, and advocates while promoting inclusive and sustainable solutions for global brain health. WTD integrates professional and lived experiences, fosters collaboration to address stigma, increase awareness, and build an empathetic community. Data collection occurred before, during, and after the 2024 WTD through surveys and personal reflections from participants (n = 79) representing 27 countries. Post-event surveys demonstrated high levels of satisfaction. Participants rated the effectiveness of the unique WTD format highly, and reported the experience as superior to the traditional academic conference model regarding networking and engaging with people with lived experience. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses highlighted the transformative nature of WTD. Walking the Talk for Dementia exemplifies how dementia changemakers across disciplines and regions can be inspired. By integrating physical activity, interpersonal dialogue, and potentially emotional experiences, WTD empowers participants to transform stigma into understanding, and challenges them to create opportunities for global advocacy. Participants’ voices underscore its profound impact, identifying WTD as a powerful catalyst for change in the global dementia landscape.