October 2017 | 2017 Fall Newsletter
A global movement is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Dementia Friends USA was developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, and is now an initiative in action throughout the United States.
In January 2017, Board of Supervisors President Dave Cortese became the first Dementia Friend in Santa Clara County. He then launched a campaign to encourage all community members to become a Dementia Friend.
Becoming a Dementia Friend is quick and easy. Participants of Dementia Friends USA watch a series of quick, online videos to learn about the challenges of living with dementia; then turn understanding into action.
To join the Dementia Friends movement:
- Log into dementiafriendsusa.org
- Watch the three minute, introductory video explaining the symptoms of dementia
- Watch three, one-minute online videos
- Choose 3 simple actions from a list. Examples include:
- Encourage others to become Dementia Friends
- Reach out and regularly connect with someone living with dementia
- Commit to a personal action, such as being more patient with community members
- Provide your name, e-mail, and city
Help your fellow community members understand more about dementia and how it affects people. Each of us can make a difference in the lives of those touched by this difficult condition.