September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – a time to raise understanding, support Kent families and campaign for better dementia care.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking and behaviour. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, it is estimated that 982,000 people in the UK live with dementia, and this number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Alzheimer’s alone accounts for around two-thirds of these cases.
Although it mainly affects people over 65, it is not a normal part of ageing. Younger people can develop it too, often with devastating consequences for their families and working lives. The NHS stresses that recognising symptoms early can lead to better management, treatment options and support.
The human impact
Thousands of families are living with the daily reality of dementia. In Kent, many relatives take on caring responsibilities, often without pay or formal training. They juggle work, home life and the emotional toll of seeing a loved one slowly lose independence.
Local charities provide vital help – I work for Crossroads Care Kent. We support unpaid carers by offering three hours of free respite every week, giving them the chance to rest and recharge while knowing their loved one is in safe hands. There are also memory cafés around Kent that offer safe spaces where people living with dementia and their carers can socialise and share experiences. These kinds of services, often run on limited budgets, are lifelines for many.
Local action in Kent
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is marked across Kent with fundraising walks, coffee mornings and public talks. The Alzheimer’s Society organises Memory Walks each September, including the Maidstone Memory Walk, which attracts strong local support. These events raise vital funds for research and help to break down the stigma associated with dementia.
Local NHS Trusts have been working on dementia-friendly initiatives too. Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust promotes Dementia Friends training, encouraging residents to make small changes – from clever signage in shops to more patient communication – that make everyday life easier for those living with dementia.
Community groups in towns such as Faversham and Herne Bay run creative programmes, including COGS clubs (Cognitive Stimulation Therapy), which offer a range of activities including group discussions, games, music, craft and gentle exercise sessions. Research suggests these kinds of activities can trigger memories and improve well-being, even in the later stages of the illness.
Research and hope
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but research is bringing cautious optimism. New treatments such as lecanemab, recently approved in the United States, appear to slow the progression of early stage Alzheimer’s. Trials are underway in the UK, though access to these drugs remains limited. The government has pledged to double funding for dementia research, but campaigners argue that progress has been too slow.
Lifestyle also plays a part. Studies suggest that regular exercise, a balanced diet, social contact and lifelong learning can lower the risk of developing dementia. These are not guarantees, but they underline the importance of prevention as well as treatment.
Policy and funding challenges
Despite repeated promises, dementia services remain underfunded. In Kent, families face long waits for memory assessments, and many carers struggle to get respite. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, unpaid carers save the UK economy an estimated £21bn every year, yet many feel unsupported and undervalued.
These charities provide essential services that help prevent carer burnout and keep families together for longer. But these organisations often rely on grants, donations or limited local authority support (Crossroads funding hasn’t increased at all over the last few years), leaving them vulnerable to financial pressures. Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is a chance to highlight that better, sustained investment in care is urgently needed.
What we can do
Awareness is only the first step. There are practical ways people in Kent – and across the UK – can make a difference:
- Become a Dementia Friend, learning how to support people living with dementia in everyday situations.
- Volunteer at local groups such as Crossroads Care Kent or at a memory café.
- Take part in a Memory Walk to raise funds and awareness.
- Learn to spot the early signs of Alzheimer’s, including memory lapses, confusion and difficulty with words.
Even small acts can help – whether it’s checking in on a neighbour, offering carers a break or encouraging workplaces to adopt dementia-friendly policies.
Together for Alzheimer’s awareness
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is an opportunity to honour those living with the condition and the people who care for them. It’s also a reminder that research, funding and compassion must go hand in hand if society is to meet the growing challenge of dementia.
Memory is precious. By raising awareness this September, we can help build a society that protects memory, dignity and compassion for all.
