Brighton & Hove City Council Supports Dementia Action Week, Promoting Early Diagnosis and Awareness

Strategic Insights -

Brighton & Hove City Council and the UK Government are marking Dementia Action Week (19-25 May 2025) by supporting the Alzheimer's Society's national campaign to promote early diagnosis and raise awareness of dementia symptoms. The campaign encourages people to take action by recognising the signs of dementia early, speaking to a GP, and accessing the support available. Research shows that early diagnosis helps people take control of their health and plan ahead, improving their quality of life and enabling access to the care, treatment, and support.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Alzheimer's Society has created a Dementia Symptom Checklist, a quick and accessible tool for anyone concerned about memory or behavior changes in themselves or someone they care about.
  • Brighton & Hove City Council aims to support residents by creating a dementia-friendly city, where people of all ages feel supported, valued, and included.
  • The council and partners are promoting a range of local services and events, including the Hop50+ Cafe, Sporting Memories Club, Tea, Cake, and Conversation event, and DASHbrighton Dementia Arts Support Hub.
  • The campaign encourages residents to learn the signs and symptoms of dementia, encourage loved ones to speak to their GP, become a Dementia Friend, and share information through community networks.
  • There are already more than 12,000 Dementia Friends in Brighton & Hove, and the Alzheimer's Society has set a target of training 7,000 new Dementia Friends during Dementia Action Week.
  • Local businesses are encouraged to sign up to the new Age & Dementia-Friendly Business 5-step Pledge, which outlines five simple steps for businesses to become more accessible to older people and people living with dementia.
  • The council's aim to support people to age well and make Brighton & Hove an age and dementia-friendly city emphasizes the importance of community and social connections in promoting better health and well-being.

Statistics:

  • More than 12,000 Dementia Friends in Brighton & Hove
  • 7,000 new Dementia Friends to be trained during Dementia Action Week, according to the Alzheimer's Society
  • 5 steps outlined in the Age & Dementia-Friendly Business 5-step Pledge
  • More than 30 local services and events promoted during Dementia Action Week
  • The council's aim to make Brighton & Hove an age and dementia-friendly city by 2025

Sources:

  • Brighton & Hove City Council: "Dementia Action Week - 19-25 May 2025"
  • UK Government: "Dementia Action Week - 19-25 May 2025"
  • Alzheimer's Society: "Dementia Friends Programme"
  • Brighton & Hove Buses: "Age & Dementia-Friendly Business 5-step Pledge"
  • Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club (BHAFC) Foundation: "Albion Memories Programme"