In cooperation with the International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), the University Library is showing pictures from the painting competition “Kuddelmuddel im Kopf: When forgetfulness becomes an illness.”

Pupils in the 3rd and 4th grades from elementary schools in Bochum have explored the topic of dementia and given their answers to the questions posed in the form of painted pictures:

• How do you imagine when memories disappear from your mind?
• Do you know people around you who have dementia?
• What is it like to live with them when they forget more and more?

The resulting pictures depict strange, funny, but also sad situations from the lives of people with dementia. They show how children perceive and interpret the complex world of dementia.

The exhibition provides an insight into the challenges, but also the special moments that life with dementia can bring. Through their pictures, the pupils try to better understand the experiences of people with dementia. They remind us how precious our memories are and how important it is to be there for each other when the treasure trove of memories threatens to dwindle.