 -1-.png)
Become a Dementia Friend
Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends USA initiative is administered by USAging. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia.
Dementia is caused by a number of diseases that affect the brain. The most common is Alzheimer’s but diseases also include Vascular, Lewy Body and Frontotemporal Dementia. Different types of dementia affect the brain at different rates and in different ways, but other things like someone’s personal circumstances, the people around them and the environment in which they live, will affect their experience of dementia. Dementia progresses in a way that is unique to each individual. It is true that more people over 65 have dementia but it is not exclusively an older person’s disease; younger people get dementia too.
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. To provide this helping hand, Dementia Friends aims to give people an understanding of dementia and the small things that they can do to make a difference. From helping someone to find the right bus, to spreading the word about dementia on social media – every action counts!
What is a Dementia Friend?
A Dementia Friend or Dementia Friends Champion is someone who has a better understanding of dementia, will know how to engage with and support people living with dementia in their communities and workplaces, and has committed to taking practical action to help people with dementia, contributing to a dementia-friendly community. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends program to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend – we all have a part to play in creating dementia-friendly communities!
You can become a Dementia Friend here by following the steps below:
- Take the Dementia Friends Pre-test (optional but encouraged so we at Dementia Friends USA have data that shows our impact)
- Watch the video and answer the questions between the segments and at the end of the session
- Complete a short evaluation
- Complete a short form to register as a Dementia Friend and receive your “I’m a Dementia Friend” certificate
It takes 45-60 minutes to complete the online session. You have the option to leave and return to the session later and your work will be saved.
See our website for supports and resources for those living with Dementia and their families.