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 and adopted by the U.S., the Dementia Friends initiative is now in Idaho. 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 and reducing the stigma surrounding dementia.
A Dementia Friend is someone who 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 calling or visiting someone who is living with dementia to volunteering with a local dementia-friendly initiative, every action counts.
Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. We all have a part to play in creating dementia-friendly communities.
Join a one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session to increase your understanding of dementia and help make your community dementia-friendly.
Find a Dementia Friend Champion near you to participate in a session and become a Dementia Friend. You may also visit the University of Idaho Extension Dementia Friends Calendar to find upcoming sessions. If you would like assistance finding a champion near you, please contact us using the information below.
- Raising awareness about dementia, transforming attitudes, and moving people to action.
- Supporting family and friend caregivers by providing accessible information, resources, and in-person support.
- Promoting meaningful participation in community life for everyone.
- Including communities that experience inequities because of race, culture, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental illness, hearing/sensory differences, intellectual or physical abilities, and economic status.
Everyone and every organization who becomes a Dementia Friend leads to Idaho becoming a Dementia-Friendly state!