"Dementia Diaries": A Multimedia Initiative to Transform Dementia Awareness

The project will feature 10 storytellers, each sharing their story over two 30-minute episodes weekly. Each story will be followed by a clinical explanation and reflection from experts to contextualize the lived experience and enhance public understanding. Storytellers are selected based on diversity in experiences, geographical representation, inclusivity, willingness to share, ability to communicate, support systems, and impact potential. Ethical considerations include informed consent, privacy, and caregiver consent. The primary audience is the general public in Ethiopia, aiming to engage a broad audience to raise awareness, educate on dementia's impacts, and reduce the associated stigma.

Results: The anticipated results include increased public awareness and understanding of dementia, reduced stigma, and a supportive community for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. The project also aims to influence policy and societal attitudes towards dementia. Storytelling is expected to foster empathy and connection among listeners, providing a platform for narrators to express themselves and be heard.

Conclusions: "Dementia Diaries" leverages the power of storytelling to transform dementia awareness in Ethiopia. By documenting and sharing real-life experiences, the project seeks to humanize the condition, challenge misconceptions, and inspire action. It represents a scalable and adaptable model for health advocacy with implications for policy, education, and community support systems. The project's innovative approach has the potential to make a significant impact on improving dementia awareness and care in Ethiopia.