You can help cure the stigma of dementia by doing six little things.
You can join the conversation on Twitter at #dementia6littlethings
Six little things
- Learn the facts: Find out about dementia and how it affects people who have it. That way you will know what to do to help them. Share your knowledge with friends, families and workmates. The more people there are who know about dementia, the easier things will become for the people who have it.
- Help me join in: Don’t write someone off because they have dementia. Dementia affects everyone who has it in a different way. It does get worse over time but, with a little help from others, people with dementia can live good lives and keep their daily routines going for many years.
- Use kind words: People often joke about dementia. They forget it is a fatal condition. They make light of dementia. Using words such as ’losing their marbles’ or ‘going gaga’ can be hurtful. It also causes people to hide their dementia.
- Talk to me: Not knowing what to say to someone with dementia can stop people talking to them. Many people say that they become invisible as soon as they tell others they have dementia. This can be hurtful. So, don’t be afraid. Give it a go and keep on talking!
- Be patient: There are little things everyone can do to help someone with dementia. Giving someone a bit more time in a queue is one. Giving a person time to find their words if they are having problems speaking is another. Help them keep doing the things they do every day.
- Be a friend: Keep in touch. Social contact can help slow down the progress of dementia. The support of friends and family helps someone with dementia stay connected and part of their community. Show your support by becoming an Alzheimer Scotland dementia friend.
Become a dementia friend
We are working with our partners Alzheimer Scotland and NHS Lothian, other organisations and individuals to make Edinburgh a dementia-friendly community.
A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or neighbourhood where people with dementia are
- understood
- respected
- supported
- confident they can be part of community life.
People with dementia and their families will feel included and involved, and have choice and control over their lives.
Email us to find out more at dementia.friendly.city@edinburgh.gov.uk
Dementia-friendly neighbourhoods
Many areas in Edinburgh are working to become dementia friendly.
A dementia-friendly forum was instituted by members of the Cramond and Barnton community to raise awareness of dementia and to make the area dementia friendly. Read about the Cramond and Barnton dementia forum.
Retailers in Cameron Toll shopping centre support dementia-friendly Edinburgh. See the photos of Cameron Toll Shopping Centre's first dementia-friendly event.