Piepenbrock commits to German Dementia Aid

Olaf Piepenbrock (back, 2nd from the left) also supports the work of the foundation as a member of the Board of Trustees. (Photo: Tatiana Kurda)

The building services provider Piepenbrock continues to support the German Dementia Aid – DZNE Foundation for Brain and Health with €10,000 this year. This strengthens Piepenbrock's commitment in the fight against dementia. Since 2011, the family-owned company and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) have been awarding the Hartwig Piepenbrock-DZNE Prize.

Approximately 1.6 million people in Germany suffer from a form of dementia. There is currently no cure. Therefore, Piepenbrock has decided to annually promote dementia research with €10,000. "Contributing to this socially important research is a matter of course for us," explains managing partner Olaf Piepenbrock. Piepenbrock's involvement also has a personal background: in 2013, Hartwig Piepenbrock passed away due to the effects of his dementia. "The death of my father from this incurable disease makes it important for me to personally support the DZNE Foundation," says Olaf Piepenbrock. That is why he also serves as a member of the Foundation Council. In this role, he represents the foundation externally and provides advice on decisions. The financial support benefits the work of the DZNE. The Piepenbrock Group has been working with the DZNE for nine years. "Together, we award the biennial Hartwig Piepenbrock-DZNE Prize, endowed with €60,000," says Piepenbrock.

Research and Public Awareness

"We want to advance the prevention of dementia and therapy. Additionally, we aim to improve the care of dementia patients and help relieve their caregiving relatives," explains Prof. Dr. Dr. Pierluigi Nicotera, Chairman of the DZNE. Furthermore, the topic of dementia should be brought into the public focus to reduce prejudices against the disease and those affected. The foundation also advocates for dignified aging and social responsibility within the care system. "Due to demographic developments, the number of people with dementia will increase significantly in the coming decades, making medical solutions urgently needed," says Nicotera. With the DZNE, the foundation has an internationally recognized research partner with whom it can advance dementia research.