Dementia Action Week
Dementia Action Week to return in 2021
With continued social distancing, restrictions on public events, and uncertainty about what the rest of the year may hold, Alzheimer’s Society has decided not to run a postponed Dementia Action Week later this year.
We had originally planned to delay Dementia Action Week, which normally takes place in May, to Autumn this year. However, we are not confident that it would be safe or possible to deliver our usual programme of events and awareness-raising within Government guidelines.
We are putting the wellbeing of people affected by dementia, our employees, our volunteers and the public first.
When is the next Dementia Action Week?
We expect Dementia Action Week to return on 17–23 May 2021.
Pencil it in your calendar! More details will be announced in the coming months.
What can I do now to support people affected by dementia?
You can help us be there for people affected dementia who have borne the brunt of the coronavirus crisis.
Alzheimer’s Society's frontline team are raising safety alerts, organising food packages, delivering regular welfare calls, and supporting people who have no one else to turn to. They have dealt with matters of life and death. But thousands more need our help.
In place of your involvement with Dementia Action Week this year, please consider donating to our Emergency Appeal, so we can be a lifeline for more people with dementia.
What is Dementia Action Week?
Every year, tens of thousands of people come together for Dementia Action Week and take action to help improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
Why are Dementia Action Week 2020 activities and events cancelled?
Dementia Action Week mobilises thousands of individuals, workplaces, schools and communities to put on events and take action to help reduce the social isolation experienced by so many people living with dementia.
With the Government requirements for social distancing, and restrictions on mass gatherings, we do not think it would be possible to run Dementia Action Week in the same format this year.
Will I still get the Dementia Action Week materials I ordered?
As the Week is being cancelled for 2020, we will not be sending out any printed materials. Next year, we will set up a new order form for you to fill out.
Will the theme of the Week still be the same in 2021?
It’s too early to say what the best theme will be for May 2021.
We will announce the theme as soon as we can.
How is Alzheimer’s Society supporting people affected by dementia during the pandemic?
We know that people with dementia are being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – both from the disease itself and the negative impacts of social distancing.
With little to no social contact with loved ones, families and care home staff are reporting significant cognitive decline and deterioration in people living with dementia.
We have now seen a sharp rise in deaths from dementia, as well as those from coronavirus, with a quarter of people who died with coronavirus in March and April 2020 in England and Wales having dementia.
Alzheimer’s Society is standing by people affected by dementia during this crisis. Our frontline team are raising safety alerts, organising food packages, delivering regular welfare calls, and supporting those who have nobody else to turn to. Our Dementia Connect support line is a lifeline to people who need our help.
In addition to this, we are campaigning for the Government to consider the needs of people with dementia and their carers as they make plans to lift lockdown.
We were a leading force in the movement putting pressure on the Government to record care home deaths, and we will continue to campaign to support people affected by dementia during this crisis.
I need support. Who can I talk to?
Alzheimer’s Society is here to support anyone affected by dementia through this difficult time.
If you need advice, please call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 (open every day).
Alternatively, our website has in-depth and up-to-date support and guidance on coronavirus and dementia.