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Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends 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 program is underway in the United States. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia.

Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is proud to lead the Dementia Friends program in California. This program is supported by the Purposeful Aging Los Angeles initiative.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

How do I become a Dementia Friend?

In-Person

Attend a one-hour long information session led by a Dementia Friends Champion. Though not a formal training, through interactive activities and discussions, you will learn the five key messages everyone should know about dementia.

Find an upcoming Dementia Friends session on our Calendar of Events.

Online

Dementia Friends sessions are also available online.
Simply watch the overview video and at least three community sector videos.

Request a Session
To request an in-person session at your site, please email RSVP@alzla.org or call our Helpline at 844.435.7259.

Dementia Friendly America logo

Become a Dementia Friends Champion

Dementia Friends Champions are volunteers who lead in-person Dementia Friends sessions. Champions attend a training and receive support.

Interested in becoming a Dementia Friends Champion? Email RSVP@alzla.org.

Dementia Friends California Partners

Our partner organizations offer regional in-person sessions. Organizations or agencies interested in partnering, please contact Kelly Takasu at ktakasu@alzla.org for more information

Orange County

Alzheimer’s Orange County
contact: Kathy Carchidi
website

San Diego County

County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency-Aging & Independence Services
contact: Carolyn Kendle or Toni-Ann Simpelo
website

Ventura County

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
contact: Victoria Jump
website

Santa Clara County

Age Friendly Santa Clara County
contact: Jennifer Kelly
website

Age Friendly - Santa Clara County logo

FAQs

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 disease. Dementia Friends was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that leads many people with the condition to experience loneliness and social exclusion.

A Dementia Friend is someone who has attended a face-to-face Information Session or watched our online videos. By learning the five key messages, they will have a better understanding of dementia and  what it is like to live with the disease.  They will also be able to take action to help those in the community touched by dementia. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends program to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend – we all have a part to play in supporting those living with dementia in our communities.

Becoming a Dementia Friend is simple. Either watch a series of videos online or attend an in-person informational session.  to find a session near you.

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. Contact Kelly Takasu at ktakasu@alzla.org to learn more.

The requirements are:

  • Genuinely have the time to run Dementia Friends Sessions
  • Be over 18 years old
  • Be a good communicator and speak objectively about dementia
  • Enjoy talking to groups of people
  • Be enthusiastic about Dementia Friends
  • Attend a training

Dementia Friends USA Trailer

Watch the video below to learn more about Dementia Friends