- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessDiseasesMental Health
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 3rd Monday of May
- Holiday emoji:
- đź’ś
Dementia Awareness Week unites communities across the UK every third Monday of May. Join the Alzheimer’s Society and other organizations in advocating for support, understanding, and research. Discover ways to get involved, learn about the condition, and help create a more inclusive environment for people living with dementia.
Want to sponsor Dementia Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected Dementia Awareness Week Deals
Dementia Awareness Week is a crucial time for advocacy and fundraising, rather than commercial deals. The Alzheimer’s Society, the leading organization behind the week, spearheads donation drives, awareness campaigns, and community events. Many corporate partners, such as Tesco and Boots UK, often run in-store fundraising initiatives, donation matching programs, or promote specific products where a portion of sales benefits dementia charities. Look for local businesses hosting charity events or offering ways to contribute to research and support services. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities to engage and donate as May approaches.
Platform Guide for Dementia Awareness Week
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #DementiaAwarenessWeek. Share insights on workplace inclusivity for those affected by dementia.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DementiaAwarenessWeek. Share personal stories or resources to foster community support.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #DementiaAwarenessWeek. Amplify statistics, research updates, and calls to action from leading dementia charities.
Dementia Awareness Week Hero
Alois Alzheimer
History of Dementia Awareness Week
The Alzheimer’s Society was founded in 1979 with the motto “United against dementia.” As the U.K.’s leading dementia charity, the Alzheimer’s Society supports people with dementia and funds research to find a cure. They ensure that nobody has to face dementia alone. The Alzheimer’s Society has been investing money in dementia research and attracting more researchers to it, with the ambition that research findings can result in improved care, treatment, and information by 2022.
Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that later can affect one’s memory, problem-solving, language, and personality or behavior, interfering with one’s daily life. Dementia is progressive; its symptoms are relatively mild but worsen gradually. Although dementia can affect people differently, each type of dementia has several common early symptoms. People can also have mixed dementia, a combination of more than one type. Several types of dementia include Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies (D.L.B.), and Frontotemporal Dementia (F.T.D.).
In Alzheimer’s Disease, the first symptoms are problems with memory, thinking, language, or perception. Problems with planning, organizing, decision-making, or problem-solving are symptoms associated with Vascular Dementia. People with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (D.L.B.) exhibit symptoms of having difficulty staying focused; experiencing delusions; and problems with movement and sleep; while the signs of Frontotemporal Dementia (F.T.D.) include common symptoms such as changes in personality and behavior and/or difficulties with language. It’s sometimes called Pick’s Disease and is one of the less common types of dementia.
Dementia Awareness Week timeline
Auguste Deter becomes the first person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist, publishes the case of Deter.
The most common dementia is named after Alois Alzheimer.
Alzheimer’s disease is recognized as the most common form of dementia.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Dementia Awareness Week
Local businesses can play a vital role in supporting Dementia Awareness Week by creating dementia-friendly environments. This might involve training staff to better understand and assist customers living with dementia, or providing clear signage and accessible spaces. Retailers could host small fundraising events or dedicate a portion of sales to a dementia charity. Cafes and restaurants might offer quiet hours or special menus to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities, fostering a more inclusive community.
Dementia Awareness Week FAQs
When is Dementia Awareness Week?
Dementia Awareness Week 2027 is observed from Monday, May 17, through Sunday, May 23, providing another important opportunity to raise vital awareness and support.
How many people are affected by dementia in the UK?
With nearly a million people in the UK currently affected by dementia, the need for support and research remains critical. This figure is projected to rise to over one million by 2030, underscoring the urgency of awareness efforts.
What is the economic impact of dementia?
The substantial economic burden of dementia, reaching tens of billions each year, highlights the immense societal challenge it presents. Investing in research and better care pathways could alleviate some of this financial strain while improving quality of life.
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
While often used interchangeably, ‘dementia’ describes a collection of symptoms, whereas ‘Alzheimer’s’ refers to a specific disease that causes dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
How to Observe Dementia Awareness Week
Join the cause
You may want to join the campaign with the Alzheimer's Society because the more people who join, the more they can influence decision-makers across the U.K. to provide support and care for people with dementia.
Volunteer today
If you want to contribute to supporting people with dementia, be a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Society. They have volunteer opportunities, so check out their page for more information.
Join an event
The Alzheimer's Society holds various events, including running, trekking, cycling, and more. You may want to attend fundraising events to help fight dementia.
5 Facts About Dementia You Need To Know
Hundreds of thousands of people are affected
There are currently around 900,000 people affected by dementia in the U.K. alone and projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.
Some in-care homes have it
80% of people in care homes reportedly have dementia or severe memory problems.
Some people under 65 have it
In the U.K., there are more than 42,000 people under 65 with dementia.
Millions are affected worldwide
Around the world, there are an estimated 57.4 million people who are living with dementia.
There’s still no cure for it
Although there is a medicine available that can temporarily reduce the symptoms, there’s still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia.
Why Dementia Awareness Week is Important
Show support
We are not supposed to let people with dementia feel isolated. Dementia Awareness Week is a way to raise awareness so that more people can partake in making the U.K. more dementia-friendly.
Raise awareness
Dementia not only affects people older than 65; it also affects people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Dementia Awareness Week reminds us to find out more about dementia so we can prevent it.
Stay healthy
Studies show that maintaining an active lifestyle can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Encourage those you know to stay active to prevent the risk of this disease.
Dementia Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 18–24 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2027 | May 17–23 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2028 | May 15–21 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | May 14–20 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2030 | May 13–19 | Monday–Sunday |
Social Media Tips for Dementia Awareness Week
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