World Alzheimer’s Month in Taunton & West Somerset

Every September, the world unites around a shared commitment: to change the way we think, speak, and act about dementia. But here in Taunton & West Somerset, that conversation is personal.

At Home Instead Taunton & West Somerset, we believe that raising awareness is not just something we do once a year, it’s something we live, every day, in the homes and lives of the people we support. And during World Alzheimer’s Month 2025, we’re inviting our local community to do the same: to ask questions, share stories, and take part in building a more understanding and supportive place for people living with dementia.

Dementia isn’t just about memory loss. It affects how someone communicates, navigates their world, and experiences relationships. For many families in Taunton, Minehead, Wellington, and across West Somerset, dementia has changed daily life in ways that are often unseen and all too often unsupported.

At Home Instead, we work closely with families who are navigating a care system that can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Many don’t know where to turn for help, or how to talk about what’s happening to their loved one. That’s why awareness matters. That’s why we care so deeply about World Alzheimer’s Month.

And it’s also why we’re asking: Is there something you’ve always wanted to know about dementia, but didn’t feel you could ask?

One of the most important things we can do as a community is learn how to recognise dementia early. Many people dismiss the first symptoms, thinking it’s just ageing, stress, or tiredness. But spotting signs early can lead to earlier support, diagnosis, and better outcomes for everyone involved.

Here are some of the early signs to be aware of:

• Forgetting recently learned information
• Struggling with familiar tasks, like cooking or managing finances
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Finding it harder to follow conversations or find the right words
• Personality changes, withdrawal, or mood swings

Emerging research is also exploring a reduced sense of smell as a potential early signal of Alzheimer’s disease, something that could open new doors to earlier diagnosis and support.

If you’re wondering how you can help, here are a few ways you can take part this September in Taunton & West Somerset:

1. Join Local Events

Take part in a memory walk, attend an awareness session, or join a support group. Every conversation counts.

2. Share Your Experience

Have you cared for someone with dementia? Are you living with a diagnosis? Share your story on social media or with us privately. These lived experiences help others feel less alone and highlight what needs to change.

3. Volunteer or Donate

Support a local charity, volunteer at an event, or fundraise for Alzheimer’s Society or a local dementia group. Even a small donation can support research or provide someone with companionship.

4. Start a Conversation

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is ask, “Are you okay?” or “Do you want to talk?” No one should face dementia without support.

While we wait for cures, there are still steps we can take to support brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends the “Love Your Brain” approach:

• Stay active with daily movement, walks, or dance
• Keep learning, read, do puzzles, or try a new skill
• Eat well, with a focus on brain-friendly foods like oily fish, berries, and leafy greens
• Stay connected, spend time with others, join groups, and talk

These steps won’t prevent dementia outright, but they can support overall wellbeing and help maintain cognitive function as we age.

This September, we’re asking you to do just one thing: Ask about dementia.

Because every question you ask helps shine a light. And every story you share helps someone else feel seen.

Let’s make 21 September more than just a date. Let’s make it the start of something kinder, clearer, and more supportive for people in Taunton, Wellington, Minehead, and all across West Somerset.

To learn more about our home care services for people living with dementia, visithttp://homeinstead.co.uk/taunton-west-somerset or contact our friendly team directly. We’re always happy to talk.