Frequently Asked Questions

Dementia is a general term for a group of symptoms involving a decline in cognitive functions severe enough to affect daily activities and compromise independent living. It can be caused by several diseases or injuries that affect the brain.

Alzheimer's disease is responsible for most cases of dementia.

alza supports people with dementia, their caregivers and family members, people with mild cognitive impairment, and anyone who needs information, guidance or support in the areas of dementia and ageing.

Family members and caregivers can contact alza directly, in person, by telephone, by email or through social media, to request information, support or advice. The technical team will assess each situation and guide them towards the most appropriate service.

alza offers several forms of support for people with dementia, people with mild cognitive impairment, caregivers and family members.

The main services include:

• Alzheimer Centre São Miguel (CASM)

• Dementia Intervention Outpatient Centre (CAID)

• Sociofamily support

• Psychological support for caregivers

• Assistive products bank

• Documentation centre

alza also regularly promotes training sessions for caregivers and professionals, support groups, workshops, awareness initiatives and other community events.

Alzheimer Centre São Miguel (CASM) operates as a day centre for people with dementia. The Dementia Intervention Outpatient Centre (CAID), on the other hand, provides outpatient therapies for people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Under no circumstances does CAID provide residential care or continuous supervision.

Admission to CASM takes place in two stages. First, an application interview is held with the caregiver or family member to gather information about the clinical, social and functional history of the person with dementia.

An interview is then conducted with the applicant, together with a brief cognitive and functional assessment, to determine whether attendance at CASM is appropriate.

Admission is formalised by signing an agreement between alza, the client and the caregiver.

Admission to CAID includes an initial interview and assessment of the person diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, who may be accompanied by a caregiver or family member.

Admission is formalised when the client and/or caregiver signs an acceptance form for the provision of services. The defined admission criteria must be met, including membership of alza.

The documents required vary according to the service. In general, the citizen card, or equivalent identification documents, of the client and caregiver may be requested.

For applications to CASM, a declaration confirming the diagnosis of dementia, issued by a specialist doctor (neurologist or psychiatrist), is also required. To calculate the contribution, the income tax return with deductible expenses must be provided, along with information about regular medication and the relevant dosage.

For applications to CAID, proof of the clinical condition is sufficient; a medical certificate is not required.

The social service operates on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, with support provided by the technical team between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Administrative services are open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, closing at 5:00 pm on Mondays.

Yes. Attendance at Alzheimer Centre São Miguel (CASM) requires a monthly payment equal to 25% of declared income, in accordance with applicable legislation and the association's internal regulations.

At Dementia Intervention Outpatient Centre (CAID), the monthly fee depends on whether the intervention is individual or group-based and on the weekly frequency, according to the current price list.

Assistive products are provided free of charge to alza members, but a refundable deposit of 10 € is required.

Psychological support is free for CASM clients, caregivers and alza members.

No. The interested person, a caregiver, family member or equivalent person may contact alza directly. Healthcare professionals or organisations may also submit a referral request, which will be assessed by the technical team.

There is often a waiting list. Admission follows the priority criteria defined by the institution, including an earlier stage of dementia, the person's sociofamily situation and the date of application.

alza operates across the Autonomous Region of the Azores and seeks to respond to requests from people throughout the archipelago. However most of its work takes place in S. Miguel Island, in the municipalities of Ponta Delgada, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande.

Alzheimer Centre São Miguel (CASM) transports clients in the alza vehicle within a 10 km radius, subject to availability.

If you would like to volunteer with alza, please contact the association to express your interest. The team will provide information about available volunteering opportunities and the onboarding process, according to the institution's needs and the applicant's profile. The association welcomes and values the contribution volunteers make to its activities and mission.