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Six reasons why you should become a Dementia Friend

Dementia Friends is not a befriending initiative but is a movement to help people gain a better understanding of dementia. After becoming a Dementia Friend, you'll be able to use this knowledge to help people living with dementia feel more accepted and less socially isolated.

One in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime. Whether you attend a friendly and interactive in-person or virtual session, you’ll be helping build a community where everyone with dementia feels understood and valued. There's also the option to watch a video.

Anyone can become a Dementia Friend and help challenge perceptions about dementia.

Our top six reasons for becoming a Dementia Friend

1. Learn about dementia and how it affects a person’s life

What is it actually like to live with dementia? How does it affect someone’s life day-to-day? When you become a Dementia Friend, you’ll learn about the real-life impact of the condition and the small actions we can all take to help those living with it.

2. Become more confident when spending time with someone with dementia

Once you’re equipped with understanding, what you do as a Dementia Friend doesn’t have to be time consuming. Simple things like showing patience and understanding can mean the world. Visiting someone you know living with the condition or someone who’s caring for a loved one can too.

I was inspired to become a Dementia Friend as I was eager to learn more about the person with dementia, how they see the world, how the disease affects them and more importantly how I could be a better person by being a friend to someone with dementia. 

I wanted to be the best I could be for anyone affected by dementia, whether that person was my mother or not.

– Katrina, Dementia Friend

3. Help people affected by dementia to stay active 

Many people with dementia experience a loss of self-confidence and become less active in their community.

You can help change this by learning about dementia and understanding what actions can help people to stay an active part of their community. That way, people with dementia can continue to take part and do the things they like, such as visiting a museum, going shopping or travelling on public transport.

4. Reduce the stigma around dementia

We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about dementia - and people affected by the condition shouldn’t be ashamed to tell others about their experience.
By becoming a Dementia Friend, you’ll help open up the conversation around dementia and inspire others to talk more about their experiences.

5. Challenge misconceptions of the disease

Dementia isn’t a natural part of ageing - it affects more than someone’s memory and there is much more to a person than their dementia.
You can learn about and challenge the myths that surround dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend.

6. You’ll be joining over 3.8 million people who have already become Dementia Friends!

Dementia Friends can also show their support in other ways, by taking part in fundraising, volunteering and campaigning for Alzheimer’s Society or wearing their Dementia Friends badge to raise awareness.

It's easy to become a Dementia Friend. Our volunteer Dementia Friends Ambassadors run face-to-face and virtual Dementia Friends Sessions that you can book on to attend. Or you can watch our short online video to join. 

We believe it will take a society to beat dementia. You can play your part by becoming a Dementia Friend today.