Dementia Awareness Week – 19th-25th May 2025
There are more than 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia. 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK.
Dementia Awareness Week this year will take place from 19th – 25th May 2025. The campaign is run by Alzheimer’s Society, with the aim of encouraging people and organisations across the UK to act on dementia, and to raise awareness of the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis.
This year’s focus will be on diagnosis of dementia, and the prioritisation of dementia in policy and decision making throughout the NHS and Government.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases.
Dementia is a progressive disease, however, many people living with dementia lead active lives for many years.
Many factors can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia, including but not limited to:
- Ageing
- Genes
- Lifestyle (physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol intake)
The majority of people with dementia are over 65, but dementia can also affect younger people.
What are the symptoms?
Dementia affects everyone in different ways. Below are some of the most common symptoms:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty thinking things through and planning
- Problems with language
- Being confused about time or place
- Visual-perceptual difficulties
- Mood changes or difficulties controlling emotions
Further Information
