World Alzheimer’s Month
Find out how we’re raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and how you can find support
Every September, people come together from around the world to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and challenge the stigma around dementia.
All too often, dementia is perceived as a condition that is an inevitable part of getting older, or something that only happens to people who have ‘already lived their lives’.
In fact, anyone can get dementia – it doesn’t discriminate between age, gender, race or class.
This year, we’re raising awareness of the stigma that affects so many people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. We know that this stigma can make it hard for people to speak up about dementia and put them off seeking a diagnosis or support – and this can leave families feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
But with the help of our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, we can support families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and all other forms of dementia so they can take back control and face the future with confidence.
Support and information
We have lots of information about Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia in the UK (representing around 60% of diagnoses), including:
- recognising the symptoms
- getting a diagnosis
- living well with dementia
- real-life stories from people like you
We’re also supporting the Understanding Dementia campaign, that launched on the 21st September with the Health Awareness UK. You can read more here.
Our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses provide life-changing care for families affected by all forms of dementia – including Alzheimer’s disease. They have the time to listen and the knowledge to solve problems, helping people take back control and giving them the confidence to manage the future with dementia.
If you would like speak to an Admiral Nurse, you can call our free Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm, every day except 25th December) or email helpline@dementiauk.org.uk
You can also book an appointment with a nurse via phone or video call.
Susan's story - challenging stigma
Susan’s husband Peter had Alzheimer’s disease. She told us how the stigma around dementia made it difficult for him to accept his diagnosis
Read morePeter's story
Peter was diagnosed with young onset dementia at the age of 50. Peter shares how stigma around the condition caused him to keep his diagnosis a secret at first
Read moreThe experiences of stigma in diverse communities
Admiral Nurse Mutsai writes about how stigma and misconceptions about dementia can be higher amongst diverse Black, Asian and minority ethnic populations
Read moreHow to deal with other people’s negative reactions to a person with dementia when out in public
Admiral Nurse Sue Kirkup answers some of your questions about how to deal with stigma and discrimination against people with dementia in the outside world
Read more