Dementia Friends USA 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 initiative is underway here in Orange County through Alzheimer’s Orange County.  By helping everyone in our community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia.

What is a Dementia Friend?

A Dementia Friend is someone who, through an in-person or online session, learns about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends program to visiting someone who is living with dementia, every action counts. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend in Orange County– we all have a part to play in creating a memory-friendly community.

How to become a Dementia Friend

In Person:

Attend a one-hour long information session led by a Dementia Friends Champion here in Orange County. The session has activities and discussions that cover the five key messages everyone should know about dementia. Everyone who attends is asked to do a dementia-friendly action as part of becoming a Dementia Friend. These are not formal trainings.

Online:

Dementia Friends Information Sessions are also available online. Once you have watched the overview video, watch at least 3 sector specific video shorts. We encourage you to select the sectors that are most relevant to your role in the community. Then register as a Dementia Friend.

Dementia Friends (Online)

Become a Dementia Friends Champion

A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who goes through training that prepares them to encourage others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. A Dementia Friends Champion can lead a live Dementia Friends session that gives people information about the personal impact of dementia and what they can do to help.

Requirements to become a Dementia Friends Champion:

  • Commit to facilitating a Dementia Friends Session at least twice a month

  • Be over 18 years old

  • Be a good communicator and speak objectively about dementia

  • Enjoy speaking to groups of people

  • Have reliable access to the internet

  • Attend a Dementia Friends Champion training

  • Observe and co-lead a Dementia Friends Session

Q&A

The Dementia Friends program is a global initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the world thinks, talks and acts about the condition.

A Dementia Friend is someone who, through an in-person or online session, learns about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action. A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who tells people about dementia, how it affects people’s day-to-day lives, and how they can make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community.

Becoming a Dementia Friend is simple. Either watch a series of videos online or attend an in person informational session. To find an in-person informational session near you, view the “Become a Dementia Friend” section above.