What the face reveals: Dementia Awareness Day focuses on facial expressions

The Bocholt Dementia Network invites you to this year's Dementia Awareness Day at the Stadtsparkasse Bocholt on Friday, 6 November 2026. The focus will be on facial expressions and non-verbal cues, particularly when interacting with people with dementia. The event is aimed at family carers, care professionals and anyone else interested.

The skills day will take place from 1.30 pm until around 5.30 pm at the Stadtsparkasse Bocholt premises at Neutorplatz 1. The speaker is Margarete Stöcker, a trainer in Mimikresonanz®. In two practical presentations, she will explain the role the face plays in interpersonal communication and how emotions are reflected in facial expressions.

Participants will learn how to perceive and interpret facial cues more consciously. This also involves observing closely and being mindful of one's own interpretations. Examples from the care sector demonstrate how important non-verbal communication is, particularly when words alone are not enough.

A key focus is on the topic of dementia. Margarete Stöcker explores how facial expressions and body language can help to better recognise the emotional needs of people with dementia. She also examines the impact that one's own facial expressions have when interacting with those affected.

The event is aimed at anyone interested in human communication and emotional cues. Family carers, care staff and those who support people with dementia in their daily lives will find it particularly inspiring.

Admission is free. Registration is required by 30 October at the City of Bocholt's Senior Citizens' Office, either by telephone on 02871 953 2234 or by email to seniorenbuero(at)bocholt(dot)de.

Background: The Bocholt Dementia Network

The Bocholt Dementia Network was founded in 2008. Its aim is to expand and coordinate care services for people with dementia and their relatives. Through talks, themed weeks, and information and seminar events, the network has since been helping to raise public awareness of dementia - an issue of growing social importance - to allay fears and to offer practical support to those affected and their carers. Further information is available from the City of Bocholt's Senior Citizens' Office on 02871 953 2234.