APS Bank recently hosted the 38th session of its APS Talks series, focusing on dementia awareness, brain health and overall wellbeing. The session, titled Dementia and the brain: Awareness and wellbeing, was delivered by Charles Scerri, a leading academic and policy adviser in the field of dementia.

During the talk, Prof. Scerri shared insights drawn from his long-standing research on memory and neurodegenerative conditions, explaining how his early academic work on Alzheimer’s disease developed into a broader focus on dementia from social, educational and public-health perspectives. He outlined the distinction between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, while addressing key risk factors associated with cognitive decline.

The session also explored how certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of dementia, including regular physical activity, mental stimulation and adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Prof. Scerri further emphasised the importance of dementia-friendly environments, family involvement and increased community awareness in improving quality of life for individuals living with the condition.

Prof. Scerri is a Ph.D. graduate of the University of Dundee and currently lectures neuropharmacology and dementia studies at the University of Malta Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. He is the co-founder and Chairperson of the Malta Dementia Society, Vice-Chairperson of Alzheimer Europe, and a member of several international research and advisory bodies focused on neurodegenerative diseases.

In 2009, he was appointed to chair the Malta Dementia Strategy Group, which led to the development of Malta’s first national dementia strategy. He later became the National Focal Point on Dementia, advising the Maltese government on policies aimed at making dementia a national healthcare priority.

The full APS Talk is available to view online.