Dementia Friends California logo

Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. With a little bit of understanding, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia.

Dementia Friends in California

Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is proud to lead the Dementia Friends program in California. This program is supported by the Purposeful Aging Los Angeles initiative.

Los Angeles Purposeful Aging logo
Dementia Friends from the City of Gardena

Dementia Friends in the City of Gardena

Become a Dementia Friend

In-Person / Live Virtual Session

Attend an information session led by a Dementia Friends Champion. Though not a formal training, through interactive activities and discussions, you will learn the five key messages everyone should know about dementia.

Find an upcoming Dementia Friends session on our Calendar of Events.

Online

Dementia Friends sessions are also available online.
Simply watch the overview video and at least three community sector videos.

Request a Session
To request an in-person session at your site, please email RSVP@alzla.org or call our Helpline at 844.435.7259.

Become a Dementia Friends Champion

Dementia Friends Champions are volunteers who lead in-person/live virtual Dementia Friends sessions. Champions receive training and support.

Interested in becoming a Dementia Friends Champion? Email RSVP@alzla.org.

Dementia Friendly America logo

Dementia Friends California Partners

Our partner organizations offer regional in-person sessions. Organizations or agencies interested in partnering, please contact Kelly Takasu at ktakasu@alzla.org for more information

ORANGE COUNTY

Alzheimer’s Orange County
contact: Traci Bell
website

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency-Aging & Independence Services
contact: Carolyn Kendle or Rachel Lehnert
website

VENTURA COUNTY

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
website

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

Age Friendly Santa Clara County
contact: Jennifer Kelly
website

Age Friendly - Santa Clara County logo

FAQs

The Dementia Friends program is a global initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the world thinks, talks, and acts about the disease through educational information sessions. Dementia Friends was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that leads many people with the condition to experience loneliness and social exclusion.

A Dementia Friend is someone who has attended a live informational session in-person or virtually, or watched the series of videos online. By learning the five key messages, a Dementia Friend uses their understanding of dementia and what it is like to live with the disease to take small actions to support people in the community. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends program to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend – we all have a part to play in supporting those living with dementia in our communities.

Becoming a Dementia Friend is simple. Either watch a series of videos online or attend an in-person informational session.  to find a session near you.

Dementia Friends Champions are volunteers who deliver the informational sessions in the community. Help bring the program to your friends, neighbors, and coworkers. A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who tells people about dementia, how it affects people’s day-to-day lives, and how they can make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. Contact us  to learn more.

The requirements are:

  • Commit to deliver at least one Dementia Friends session per year
  • Be over 18 years old
  • Be comfortable speaking in public objectively about dementia
  • Enjoy talking to groups of people
  • Be enthusiastic about Dementia Friends
  • Attend a training and communicate with our program administrators
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are Dementia Friends
Mayor Garcetti for Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends USA Trailer

Watch the video below to learn more about Dementia Friends

Pages in the for Communities section