World Alzheimer’s Month - East Dorset 2025

September marks World Alzheimer’s Month, a global campaign led by Alzheimer’s Disease International that invites communities to talk more openly about dementia. At Home Instead East Dorset, based in Blandford and serving areas including Ferndown, Verwood, and the surrounding villages, we’re proud to support this important initiative. The 2025 theme, #AskAboutDementia, encourages everyone to start meaningful conversations that lead to better understanding and support. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing real-life stories from our Care Professionals and clients, highlighting moments that matter and events that raise awareness. From memory walks to local talks, we’re joining others across East Dorset to make dementia a topic that feels less daunting and more human.

As you read on, you’ll find out more about World Alzheimer’s Month, the significance of this year’s campaign, and how you can get involved, whether through local events, sharing a story, or simply asking one kind question.

The theme for 2025 is #AskAboutDementia and #AskAboutAlzheimers, a reminder that the first step to change is conversation. So many people feel unsure or hesitant to bring up dementia. But asking questions leads to knowledge, and knowledge leads to action.

Whether it’s a loved one showing signs of memory loss, a friend who’s recently been diagnosed, or a colleague caring for a family member, a thoughtful question like “How are you coping?” or “What support do you have?” can make all the difference.

This theme is about opening up, reducing isolation, and encouraging communities to learn and respond with kindness and confidence.

There are many simple but meaningful ways to show your support this September, both locally and nationally:

1. Start a Conversation

Talk to a neighbour, friend, colleague, or family member about dementia. Whether they have personal experience or not, discussing the signs, challenges, and types of support available helps raise awareness.

Even sharing a post on social media using hashtags like #AskAboutDementia or #WorldAlzheimersMonth helps normalise the topic.

2. Learn the Early Signs of Dementia

Understanding the symptoms can help people seek help sooner. Key signs include:

• Memory loss, especially short-term
• Difficulty with daily tasks
• Confusion about time or place
• Trouble finding the right words
• Changes in mood or personality

Learning about dementia doesn’t mean you have to become an expert; it means being ready to listen, help, and direct someone to the right support when they need it.

3. Attend or Organise an Event

If you’re based in East Dorset, look out for local events in September, memory walks, dementia-friendly cafes, or awareness drop-ins. Or consider hosting your own:

• A coffee morning with a dementia-awareness theme
• A community quiz night to raise money for dementia charities
• A memory board in your school, workplace, or church where people can share treasured memories

These local events help bring people together and raise funds and understanding at the same time.

4. Share Personal Stories

First-hand experiences, whether as a person living with dementia or as a carer, are powerful. They help others feel less alone and educate people in ways that facts alone can’t.

We’d love to hear from people across East Dorset who’d like to share their story on our website or social media this September. Please reach out to the Home Instead East Dorset office if you’d like to get involved.

5. Support Dementia Charities

Whether it’s through fundraising, donations, or volunteering, national and local dementia charities rely on public support. Consider helping organisations such as:

• Alzheimer’s Society UK
• Dementia UK
• Dementia Friends
• Alzheimer’s Research UK

Many offer resources, helplines, support groups, and training. Some are also looking for volunteers to support local memory cafes and carer drop-ins.

6. Take On a Challenge

Fancy a physical challenge this September? Charities are hosting a range of activities, including:

• 55 Miles in September Challenge
• Memory Walks across the country
• Ben Nevis at Night trek
• Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle

Or stay local: plan a Dorset coastal walk with friends or a community bake sale, anything that raises awareness and helps others.

Dementia is sometimes overlooked in public conversations, but in our community, we want to change that. At Home Instead East Dorset, we work with families to provide dementia care that is compassionate, tailored, and consistent.

Whether you need an hour’s visit or full-time care, we’re just a phone call away.

If you’d like to learn more about our dementia care services, book a chat with our team by visitinghomeinstead.co.uk/East-Dorset-Blandford or calling us directly.

Let’s make World Alzheimer’s Month 2025 the year we all spoke up, asked more questions, and stood beside the people in our community affected by dementia.