Dementia Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of and improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

When is Dementia Awareness week?

This year, Dementia Awareness Week (also known as Dementia Action Week) will take place between 17th – 23rd May.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain. It is often characterised as memory problems affecting older people. However, dementia does not just affect older people, is more than just memory loss, and is not a natural part of ageing. Dementia can affect the way that people behave, feel, think, speak and their perception of things, as well as memory.

Although there is no cure for dementia, scientists and researchers are working hard to find one. However, there are some treatments for some types of dementia such as medication and care plans including stimulating activities. As there are very few existing treatments for dementia, it is not supported by the NHS, but instead by social care.

How common is Dementia?

• In the UK, 34.5 million people know someone living with dementia.
• 1/3 of us born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in our lifetime.
• It is estimated that there will be 1 million people living with dementia in the UK by 2025.
• Over 40,000 people in the UK have early-onset-dementia (dementia for those under 65 years of age).

Why is Dementia Awareness Week Important Now?

The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but particularly difficult to those families affected by dementia. Many people living with dementia has been isolated from their loved ones due to the lockdown restrictions. Additionally, people with dementia account for ¼ of all coronavirus death in the UK.

Dementia Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about dementia whilst reflecting on all those with dementia who have suffered immensely due to the pandemic.

How can I get involved in Dementia Awareness Week?

There are lots of ways to get involved in Dementia Awareness Week. The Alzheimer’s society suggest these to get you started:

• Put on a virtual event to raise to fundraise eg. Denim For Dementia
• Order/print posters and flyers to drop off at your local shop
• Use the free resources on their website to spread the word and raise awareness
• Sign and share the petition
• Share social media graphics about Dementia Awareness Week & the petition
• Become a Dementia friend

What is the petition about?

The Alzheimer’s society have created a petition to #CureTheCareSystem, as dementia isn’t curable, but the care those with dementia receive is! The petition will be live from the 26 April – June 2021. You can find out more about the petition and sign it here.

Related Information

Visit the Alzheimer’s Society website for in-depth guidance and information on dementia.

If you are worried about dementia or need support, call the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456.

If you are a young person and look after someone with dementia, check out the Young Carers Info Page on TheSprout.