A woman and man sit on a garden bench smiling, wearing Alzheimer's Society Forget Me Not badges

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.

An example of an Alzheimer's Society Forget Me Not mental pin badge

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.

Forget me not Appeal badge in blue

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.

Dementia Friends pin badge

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

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113 comments

Today it appears that the water in my mother’s brain is effecting her cognitive skills. I know that they say God only gives us what we can handle but honestly I’m struggling more so seeing her slowly demising in front of my eyes 💜♥️

I am sorry to hear this, but I completely understand. I just lost my mom to dementia a few months ago.

Hi Janet, my husband had had this for a little while. I also am finding it very difficult. Thought it might be nice to message someone in a similar situation. It is so hard. He is 67, I am 57 my name is Sarah. My husband is Rog. He was diagnosed 5 and a half years ago. But I think he is near 8 years. I’m happy to message again. If I can find this message again lol. I’m not great at technology. Lots of love. Xxx

Where can I get a pin from plz to put in my wedding bouquets xx

Hello Emily,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

We have a section of our Online Shop dedicated to Celebrations that includes meaningful keepsakes for your special day, including pins: https://shop.alzheimers.org.uk/weddings-and-celebrations

We hope this helps.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

Could I please have 4 dementia pin badges for my dementia ambassadors in the home I manage the care sector

Hi Sarah Jane,

These Dementia Friends pin badges aren’t available to buy. Instead, you have the option to receive a badge once you become a Dementia Friend by attending an Information Session online: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/register-digital-friend

We hope this helps.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

My Alzheimer’s badge has lost its colour and I haven’t seen a donation box for a new one for a long time how do I get a new one please.

I do not have Alzeimers disease, but another sort of memory loss.

I work in a dementia home as a carer and have done for seven years. I would wear a dementia friend badge with pride if I had one.

On the big debate on whether to generally refer to people diagnosed with dementia as sufferers. I look at it this way I would not like to be looked at as sufferer unless I am actually suffering at a particular time. Eg I may live with depression but I am not always ' suffereing' from depression. It's the same with dementia. If you are constantly being referred to as a sufferer it really desempowers you and puts a negative label which affects you negatively. That said, I agree we should recognise good intentions.

Rita hi, My pet hate is when Dementia is referred to as a disease. My sister is not diseased, she has an illness , Dementia. I know that it can seem petty but it really annoys me.

For manyyears this flower has repeseted Masonically a we will not forget Brethren.

I havebeen involved for over 15 years and I have never heard of anything like this! How can I be sure that this is really from the Alzheimer Society? I am very skeptical. Please send me a message. Thank you, Claudine Coughlin

I have lost a lot of the pin badges for one reason or another. I would like to see the alternative of brooch fastening badges available and would be happy to pay the extra cost as I am sure others would too. I am also a Dementia Friend and volunteer with 3 groups and again this pin badge would be better with a brooch fitting. Again I am sure there are many of us that would pay for them.

Hi could I have a Dementia friend badge please my mum has dementia bless her heart thankyou

How do you become a dementia champion?

Hi Julie,

Thanks for getting in touch. You can find details on the Dementia Friends website here: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBArticle?page=what-is-a-champion

Kind regards,
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Alzheimer's Society blog team

We are a Care company currently becoming Dementia Friendly. I would like to make a donation and also receive some of the metal badges for my senior carers. Is there a way I can do this?

I joined dementia friends along time ago but ive never received a badge.

All staff at Chesterfield Care Group wear our badges with pride- we wear the forget me not brooches. Chesterfield Care Group run a walking and activity group in the chesterfield and surrounding areas for individuals with a diagnosis of Dementia- this badge is a great way to show the general public that if something unusual happens when we are out walking they understand without staff having to explain respecting our service users dignity 😃