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By Katie Zeitler, Dementia Friends Program Manager
Dementia Friends is a global public awareness movement changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia through free one-hour information sessions. The program was developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK and is now underway in the United States, with over 34 states and territories participating. The University of Washington Memory and Brain Wellness Center is the state lead for the program and partners with agencies and organizations across the state to implement the program and offer information sessions.
There are over 125,000 individuals living with dementia in Washington and that number is continuing to increase. More awareness about dementia is needed to support people living with dementia as well as their caregivers and care partners.
What can you expect at a Dementia Friends Information Session?
You’ll learn the basics of dementia, including the most common type and early warning signs. The session also covers practical tips communicating with someone living with dementia, ways to keep your brain healthy, and how you can support those living with dementia in everyday life. You’ll leave with simple actions you can take to help create a more dementia-friendly world as well as some helpful community resources.
I feel that my new awareness will help me to have a forward-thinking attitude on how I can be supportive to those around me with dementia.
Dementia Friend
Anyone is welcome to attend a session and become a Dementia friend! Find upcoming sessions and learn more about the program by visiting www.dementiafriendswa.uw.edu
Dementia Friends Washington is supported through the work of the Dementia Action Collaborative and is written into the Washington State Plan for Addressing Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias.
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