How To Become More Dementia Aware - In Just 1 Hour

Alzheimer’s Society has just marked an important milestone in its mission to create a safer, more inclusive world for people living with dementia

That’s because there are now an incredible two million Dementia Friends across England, Northern Ireland and Wales - including almost 5,000 in Northumberland.

We are rightly proud of this achievement. The initiative is, after all, the biggest ever social action movement to change perceptions of dementia.
 
And we’re fortunate enough to have the hugely talented BAFTA award-winning actress Carey Mulligan as our Global Dementia Friends Ambassador.
 
But we appreciate that those unfamiliar with the term ‘Dementia Friend’ might find it a difficult concept to grasp.
 

So what does it mean? Put simply, a Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action.
 
One of our information sessions takes about an hour to complete. People either attend a session run by a Dementia Champion - someone who has undergone additional training – or log on to our website and watch a video.
 
It’s incredibly easy and is open to people of all ages. After the session you will be asked to commit to an action - but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
 
You could, for example, stay in touch with someone you know who is living with dementia, or volunteer for an organisation that helps people with the condition, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.
 
The important thing is that by becoming a Dementia Friend, you will be more aware of the day-to-day challenges faced by people living with dementia and, hopefully, be more considerate and understanding towards them as a result.

You can find out more by visiting https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/.

Ken Oxley is the Media Officer for Alzheimer’s Society in the North East and Cumbria 
Tel: 0191 2983989 / 07483 926575
Email: ken.oxley@alzheimers.org.uk




About Alzheimer's Society

• Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. This will soar to two million by 2051.
• Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
• Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and has committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in the UK's first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.
• Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
• Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.  
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk  
• Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc
• Like us on Facebook

Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety