World Alzheimer’s Month – how much do you really know about dementia?

Why “Ask About Dementia” matters more than ever 

There are currently over 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, and the number is growing rapidly. In the UK alone, more than 900,000 people are estimated to be living with the condition. Despite its prevalence, dementia is still misunderstood and too often hidden in silence. 

Many people still confuse dementia with 'just getting older'. Others don’t realise that Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia, not a separate issue. Some don’t know what to look out for in terms of early symptoms, or how to support someone after a diagnosis. 

That’s why this year’s theme matters. It encourages people to ask questions, and in doing so, to build understanding. And with understanding comes action: earlier intervention, better support, more inclusive environments, and ultimately, improved quality of life for those affected. 

 

A responsibility beyond clinical care 

For those working in the care sector, it’s easy to assume you already know enough. But this month invites everyone to reflect more deeply, asking questions like: 

• Do we fully understand the lived experience of dementia, beyond clinical symptoms? 

• Are we confident in explaining it clearly to families, communities or new colleagues? 

• Do we take time to challenge outdated attitudes or myths when we hear them? 

• Are we promoting environments that encourage discussion, not silence? 

Being in the sector doesn’t mean being exempt from learning. In fact, it places everyone working in care in a unique position of influence. Those caring for people with dementia can be powerful advocates for better awareness, both inside and outside the workplace. 

 

Encouraging questions in care settings 

In many care organisations, there’s a tendency to leave dementia education to formal training sessions. But in reality, some of the most valuable awareness-building happens informally: in handovers, in family meetings, during staff conversations, or even at the front desk. 

This month, consider how your service could do more to create a culture of curiosity. For example, this could mean: 

• Encouraging staff at all levels to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem. 

• Making dementia-related topics part of everyday conversation, not just training days. 

• Creating safe spaces for team members to admit what they don’t know or understand. 

• Empowering junior staff to raise questions or observations, without fear of “getting it wrong”. 

Because when we make it easier to talk about dementia, we make it easier to act early, personalise support, and reduce apprehention for everyone involved. 

 

Helping families and communities understand 

Many families arrive at care services with only a limited understanding of dementia. They may feel overwhelmed, confused or unsure what to expect. They might not know what questions to ask, or even that they’re allowed to ask. 

Care professionals can take the lead in guiding these conversations. 

Instead of assuming families already know the basics, try offering small, supportive prompts: 

• “Would you like to talk more about what dementia is and how it might progress?” 

• “Are there any behaviours you’ve seen that you’re unsure about?” 

• “Would it be helpful to go over the difference between Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia?” 

These conversations not only empower families; they also build trust, improve communication, and encourage joint decision-making. 

Similarly, you can extend awareness beyond families and into the wider community: 

• Share simple explanations with volunteers or ancillary staff. 

• Collaborate with local schools, libraries, or faith groups to improve public understanding. 

• Use this month as an opportunity to raise awareness through social media, posters, or events, even small-scale ones. 

The more people understand what dementia is, and what it isn’t, the more inclusive and supportive our communities become. 

 

Asking the right questions 

World Alzheimer’s Month is also a time for self-reflection. As care professionals, you can ask yourselves: 

• Do I understand how dementia affects people differently, culturally, emotionally, behaviourally? 

• Am I confident challenging stigma or misinformation when I hear it? 

• Do I know what language to use, and what to avoid, when discussing dementia? 

• Am I supporting others on my team to feel informed, not intimidated? 

• Could I do more to share knowledge with others who may have less exposure to dementia? 

These questions aren’t about judgement. They’re about growth. Every conversation we start helps shift the dial from confusion to clarity, from fear to compassion. 

 

Alzheimer’s: It’s okay to ask 

There’s still a surprising amount of uncertainty about Alzheimer’s disease specifically. Many people aren’t sure how it relates to other dementias, how it’s diagnosed, or how it progresses. 

This month, consider how your service could highlight Alzheimer’s more directly, even just in small ways. This could include: 

• Sharing facts in team meetings or break rooms (e.g. 'Alzheimer’s accounts for 60–70% of dementia cases'). 

• Encouraging families to ask anything they want about Alzheimer’s without judgement. 

• Running a myth-busting activity with staff (e.g. 'True or false: Alzheimer’s only affects memory'). 

By encouraging curiosity, we make space for everyone to understand Alzheimer’s more fully, from senior members of staff and management to new starters and visitors. 

 

A message that belongs to everyone 

This year’s theme is not just for families or the general public. It’s for care professionals, service leaders, and community partners. 

It’s a reminder that dementia awareness isn’t static knowledge, it’s something to keep building on together. Each time you ask a question, answer one with patience, or guide someone toward greater understanding, you’re helping create a world that’s safer, kinder and more informed for people living with dementia. 

 

Simple ways to take part this month 

If you’re looking for easy ways to bring the theme to life in your setting, here are a few ideas: 

• Host a question wall in your staff room or reception area and invite anyone to post something they’ve always wanted to ask about dementia. 

• Share one dementia-related fact or prompt each day during September on your internal comms or social media. 

• Encourage managers and senior carers to have short reflective chats with staff. For example: 'What do you think people misunderstand most about dementia?'

• Share links to trusted resources or articles that answer common questions in a clear, human way. 

• Host a short session or Q&A, whether formal or informal, inviting staff, families or volunteers to learn more. 

 

Want to learn more? 

If you’re interested in learning more about dementia and dementia care, just click here.