Dementia Support Line
What do the different badges for dementia mean?
Following some confusion over what different blue flower badges represent, here we tackle some common myths about their meaning, who can wear blue flower badges and why.
What does the blue flower badge represent?
The flower is a forget-me-not, a small blue flower that represents remembrance and is long-associated with dementia.
People with dementia may experience memory loss, among other symptoms. This makes the forget-me-not the perfect flower to represent our cause.
The blue flower pin is a symbol for anyone who wants to raise awareness of dementia and support people affected by the condition.
Alzheimer's Society forget-me-not flower pin badges are available in our shop. 100 per cent of our shop profits go towards helping fight dementia.
Why do people wear a forget-me-not pin badge?
Anyone can wear our blue forget-me-not pin badge to show their support for Alzheimer’s Society. Many organisations have flowers, ribbons and other symbols to represent their charity.
A person might wear a forget-me-not badge because a family member or loved one has dementia, or they want to help raise awareness.
It’s best not to make assumptions about why someone might be wearing the pin.
What is the Forget me not Appeal badge?
In 2021, Alzheimer's Society launched the Forget me not Appeal.
This is an annual initiative that encourages people to wear a forget-me-not flower badge for the month of May to raise awareness and vital funds for people affected by dementia.
In May, we ask everyone to join together and support the Forget me not Appeal to raise awareness and money for everyone living with dementia.
Wearing the Forget me not Appeal badge does not mean the wearer has dementia. Supporters of the Forget me not Appeal wear their badge not only to promote awareness of dementia but also in memory of or in tribute to a loved one affected by the condition.
Donate online to the Forget me not Appeal and receive a badge in the post (while stocks last).
If you have any questions about your donation or Forget me not Appeal badge, please call our Supporter Care line on 0330 333 0804.
Is it true that wearing a forget-me-not pin badge means you have dementia?
No, that is not true.
The forget-me-not badge is for anyone to wear to show their support for people affected dementia.
It is a common misconception that the badges are to help identify people living with dementia in public.
If someone is misinformed, it might be helpful to make them aware of this.
People living with dementia can sometimes face stigma and exploitation, which may put them at risk when out in public. If there’s the misconception that only people with dementia wear this badge, this could increase the risk of making them vulnerable.
If a person with dementia wants a discreet way to let others know about their diagnosis while out and about, we have free helpcards available.
Helpcards are an easy way for people with dementia to get help or assistance when out in the community. Personal information can also be added to them, so that people with dementia can get help in the best way for them, and only from people they feel safe around.
What does the Dementia Friend badge mean?
Dementia Friends is a social movement committed to changing how people see dementia.
A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community. They may choose to wear the badge so they can show support for the movement, or to help others who may need it.
Many Dementia Friends choose to receive and wear their pin badge.
These pin badges aren’t available to buy. Instead, you have the option to receive a badge once you become a Dementia Friend either by attending an Information Session in your community or by joining online. You can become a Dementia Friend here.
Share your badge
Do you have a badge like one of these? Send us a photo of you wearing it with the hashtag #ForgetMeNotBadge and tell us why you wear yours
Andrew Stevens
saysI have lost my badge how do I get a new one please
Wayne Lightfoot
saysDon’t have a badge but would wear one with pride as I am a carer for my wife who has the illness.
Sharon white
saysHello I'm a dementia friend and work as a practice nurse .I've lost my badge how can I get a replacement.
Leanne
saysIve lost my badge could i order a new one please x
Emma
saysI have lost my dementia friend badge over the years
Can I order a new one?
Would be grateful for help with this as I work in a Pharmacy and many dementia sufferers come in to us
Hi Emma
If you have lost your Dementia Friends badge, please email your details to [email protected] and the Dementia Friends team will do their best to arrange for a replacement to be sent out to you.
We hope this helps.
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Alzheimer's Society Blog Team
j davies demantia friends champion
saysthink that you need to point out inappropriate use of the suffering word
Philip Blair
saysReally, you really feel that this 'curt' response is any better than the use of the word suffer? The very fact that this person wants to recognised as a DF in her work place and is obviously very willing and happy to do so deserves (in my opinion) a much more positive response. A moments consideration for the intentions of the person would go a long way.
Jacqui Bingham
saysSometimes it feels like suffer is the appropriate word.
Kerry Waite
saysI would say that those with dementia do suffer as well as the family members supporting and living with the illness.
Kay illingworth
saysI agree completely, although dementia isn't nice not everyone "suffers" with dementia. I am a community care assistant and we have some ladies and gents that have advanced dementia that are far from suffering.
Darren Fearnley
saysNot wanting to seem pedantic but dementia ‘sufferers’ is something DF champions are working to have changed
Pat Bentley
saysSo glad that Alzheimer's Society have published this to clarify things - seen so many posts over past 12_ months that have got it all wrong. Have corrected misinformation myself when seen them but now official. Well done.