Dementia Action Week, running 18th to 24th May 2026, is an annual national awareness campaign led by Alzheimer’s Society. It brings communities, organisations, and healthcare teams together to act on dementia, raising awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and ensuring people affected know where to find support.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain. It can impact memory, thinking, language, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but there are several others including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. While it is more common in people over 65, it can affect younger people too. Around 70,000 people in the UK under 65 are living with dementia. Currently, nearly one million people in the UK are living with the condition, and someone develops dementia every three minutes.
The good news is that an early diagnosis makes a real difference. It opens doors to treatment, support, and practical planning, allowing people to live well for longer.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
The early signs of dementia can be subtle and easy to miss. If you notice any of the following in yourself or someone you care about, especially if they are getting worse over time it is worth speaking to your GP.
- Memory loss. Forgetting recent conversations, events, or names; asking the same questions repeatedly
- Confusion and disorientation. Getting lost in familiar places or losing track of dates and times
- Difficulty with language. Struggling to find the right words or follow a conversation
- Problems with planning. Difficulty following a recipe, managing bills, or making decisions
- Mood and personality changes. Becoming unusually anxious, withdrawn, irritable, or sad
- Visual difficulties. Trouble judging distances or misidentifying objects
Please note: Occasional forgetfulness is usually a normal part of ageing. However, if symptoms are getting worse, affecting daily life, or worrying you or those close to you then please do not wait. Book an appointment with us.
What to Do if You’re Worried
Step 1: Talk to your GP
If you have concerns about your own memory, or someone you care for, your first step is to book an appointment. We are here to help and there is no wrong time to raise these concerns. You can also complete the Alzheimer’s Society symptoms checklist at alzheimers.org.uk and bring it along to your appointment.
Step 2: Attend a memory assessment
Your GP may refer you to a memory clinic or specialist service for a full assessment. This is a straightforward process and does not necessarily mean you will be diagnosed with dementia. There are many other things that can cause memory loss, such as stress and anxiety, infection, medication or vitamin deficiency.
Step 3: Access support
Whether or not a diagnosis is confirmed, there is a wide range of support available for you and your family. You do not need to face this alone. Please see the resources below.
The Forget Me Not Appeal
This Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging everyone to support the Forget Me Not Appeal, a symbol of hope, action, and unity for the nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK. Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk to find out how to get involved.
Where to Get Help and Support A range of national organisations offer free advice, information, and emotional support for people living with dementia and their carers. You do not need a diagnosis to access most of these services
Alzheimer’s Society
The UK’s leading dementia charity. Offers a free helpline, online information, local support groups, and the Dementia Connect support service.
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Telephone: 0333 150 3456 (Mon–Wed 9am to 8pm, Thu–Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat–Sun 10am to 4pm)
NHS: Memory Problems
The NHS website has clear information on memory concerns, what to expect from a diagnosis, and how to access local memory services.
Website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia
Or call NHS 111 for health advice
Age UK
Provides practical advice and emotional support for older people affected by dementia, including help for carers with benefits, housing, and daily living.
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm daily)
Dementia UK
Specialist dementia nurses (Admiral Nurses) offer expert advice and one-to-one support for families living with dementia, over the phone or online.
Website: www.dementiauk.org
Helpline: 0800 888 6678 (Mon–Fri 9am–9pm, Sat–Sun 9am–5pm)
Carers Matter Norfolk
Carers Matter Norfolk is the countywide service funded by Norfolk County Council and the NHS to provide support to unpaid carers. All services are free and available to people aged 18+ caring for someone aged 18+.
Website: www.carersmatternorfolk.org.uk/
Telephone: 0800 083 1148 (Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm)
Carers UK
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, Carers UK can help you understand your rights, access financial support, and find local carer groups.
Website: www.carersuk.org
Telephone: 0808 808 7777 (Mon–Fri: 9am to 6pm)
Alzheimer’s Research UK
Funds research into dementia and provides information on the latest developments in treatment and care.
Website: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
Information for Carers
If you are supporting a friend or family member with dementia, your wellbeing matters too. Caring can be incredibly rewarding but also physically and emotionally demanding. You are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment from your local council, which can help identify support available to you.
Please speak a member of our team if you are feeling overwhelmed, we can help connect you with carer support services in the area, including our brilliant Care Coordinators and Social Prescriber.
You do not need to cope alone.
Remember: it’s always better to know.
Getting a diagnosis for you or a loved one, whatever the outcome, gives you answers, opens doors to support, and allows you to plan ahead.
If you have any concerns about memory or dementia, please let us know. We are here to help.