What do the different badges for dementia mean?

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.

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.

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.