We’re a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia.
Our vision is a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. We will not rest until people with dementia and their carers live more fulfilled and less fearful lives, free from stigma and inequality. Dementia is a complex condition, and there’s no one-size fits all solution. Flexible support services and a multi-faceted approach is key to improving lives.
Regular, ongoing donations are the backbone of our work, as they allow us to budget, plan ahead and commit to more of our vital services in helping all those living with and affected by dementia. Whether it’s a large or small donation, the regularity of that support allows us to do more and reach more people for the long-term.
We are so proud to say that we spend 68 pence in every pound on direct work, including services, influencing and research. And 32 pence in every pound on our vital fundraising. And for every pound we spend on fundraising, we raise a further £3.26.
Our funding is unrestricted, so goes to wherever the need is greatest. This helps to ensure we can reach and support as many people as possible living with or affected by dementia.
​
Click here to check out our annual report.
Dementia facts:
​
• It is officially the UK’s biggest killer.
• There are currently over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK.
• 209,600 people develop dementia every year, which is equivalent to 1 person developing dementia every 3 minutes.
• 52% of the UK public know someone who is affected by dementia.
• 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 has dementia in the UK.
• Over 42,000 people with dementia are under the age of 65.
• 70,800 people developed symptoms before the age of 65.
• Research is significantly underfunded – for every £6 spent on cancer research, only £1 is spent on dementia research.
​
...So our work and fundraising is more vital and needed than ever!
​
Here are some useful videos that go into more detail about Dementia & Alzheimer's disease
Help and Hope:
• One of the main areas of focus going forwards is the importance of early diagnosis.
• Research into longer term solutions is vital, but there is a very urgent need NOW for those living with and affected by dementia to ensure they are supported and able to live as independently as possible for as long as possible – whilst supporting carers too!
• Dementia doesn’t discriminate so we want to ensure we pave the way for more improvements and advancements into better treatments, support plans, care research and of course our Dementia Support Line.
• We want to be on hand and available to anyone who might need our help or support, at any point in their journey, bridging those gaps in the early stages of an assessment to diagnosis, right through to the latter stages of someone’s dementia and everything
in-between.
​
Progress this past year:
• Our services were used more than 4 million times last year. Whether this was face-to-face or over the phone, having someone there in the toughest times is a real lifeline to someone affected by dementia.
• 71,014 people reaching out and using the Dementia
Support Line – it’s open 7 days a week and is there for anyone who is affected by dementia.
• 135,000 people supported our campaigns across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, helping to keep dementia at the forefront of people’s minds and helping to bring about that help and hope we provide.
• Pushing the government to tackle the ongoing issue in care homes with residents and families affected by dementia, which makes up over 70% of care home residents.
• Our online community Talking Point supported 1.3 million people, helping those affected by dementia to share stories and knowledge and provide valuable support.
• Research breakthroughs including the exciting update on Lecanemab
​
First-hand dementia stories