Last Updated: May 26, 2026
Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia.
Dementia Action Week is an awareness campaign led by Alzheimer’s Society, bringing people and organisations together to improve understanding of dementia and encourage action.
This year’s campaign centres around the Forget Me Not Appeal, highlighting the stories behind every dementia diagnosis and encouraging people to show support for those affected.
As Alzheimer’s Society launches this year’s campaign, we highlight the importance of awareness, early support and accessible information for families affected by dementia.
The forget-me-not is a small blue flower that represents remembrance and has been long associated with dementia. Donations to the Forget Me Not Appeal help fund support services for people living with dementia, alongside vital research into the condition.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, help and support is available.
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and cognitive ability, rather than a single disease itself. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which makes up the majority of cases. As well as Alzheimer’s disease, there are other forms of dementia, including: Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemporal Dementia. Young-onset dementia is another form of dementia that affects people under the age of 65. People can have more than one form of dementia.
Recognising the signs of dementia
The early signs of dementia can sometimes be difficult to recognise, particularly as symptoms may develop gradually over time. Understanding what to look for can help families seek advice and support sooner.
- Understanding the early signs and symptoms of dementia
- Risk Factors – Am I at risk of getting dementia?
- What are the symptoms of young onset dementia and what should I do if i have symptoms?
Getting a diagnosis
If you’re concerned about persistent forgetfulness, cognitive decline, or memory difficulties of a friend or family member, it’s essential to consult a GP. They can undertake an initial examination and refer you to a memory clinic for further tests.
- What happens during a dementia assessment?
- What happens at memory clinics?
- Supporting someone through diagnosis and beyond
Care and support options
Dementia care and support options can include professional homecare, residential care homes or utilising dementia day services. Dementia affects not only the person living with the condition, but also the people around them.
- What should I look for in a dementia Care Home?
- What families really need from homecare
- Support for dementia carers
- Find specialist dementia care homes, nursing homes and homecare providers using our search for care tool
Daily living and wellbeing
Changes around the home, having predictable routines and accessing external support services can help when adjusting to life with dementia. Whilst dementia does change things, a dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean you will no longer be able to do all the things you enjoy.
- Making changes to the home environment can help someone living with dementia maintain independence
- How to support changed behaviour in someone who has dementia
- Advice on keeping family connections strong when caring for someone with dementia
- Dementia Day Services- how they can help and how you can access them.
While a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, support is available at every stage — from recognising the early signs to accessing care and maintaining wellbeing.
Dementia Action Week is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage understanding and remind people affected by dementia that they do not have to face it alone.
Support Organisations
- Alzheimer’s Society – the UK’s leading dementia charity offer a range of support services including a symptom checker, dementia support line, services for carers, legal and financial advice.
- Dementia UK – Dementia support services including support from dementia specialist Admiral Nurses
- Age UK – free advice line and resources for supporting someone with dementia
- NHS – information about the support and care organised by the NHS and the adult social services department of your local council
