Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is marking World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September by raising awareness of dementia, and highlighting the support available to residents and families across the County.
World Alzheimer's Day is part of World Alzheimer's Month, a global campaign led by the Alzheimer's Society to improve understanding of dementia, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek information and support. This year's theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do", highlights the importance of recognising the early signs of dementia and seeking a diagnosis as soon as possible. An early diagnosis can help people access advice, treatment, care and support sooner, enabling them and their families to make informed decisions and live well with dementia for longer. Dementia affects most people in some way and raising awareness remains an important step in ensuring that nobody faces the condition alone.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. While occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of getting older, persistent changes in memory, thinking, communication, behaviour, or the ability to carry out everyday activities may be early signs of dementia. Recognising the range of symptoms early and seeking advice can help people access the support they need, understand their diagnosis and plan for the future.
Warwickshire residents who are concerned about dementia or memory loss, either for themselves or someone they care about, are encouraged to speak to their GP and access local support services.
The county's Living Well with Dementia website provides information, advice and practical resources for people living with dementia, as well as carers, families and community organisations. The website includes guidance on living well with dementia, carer support, dementia-friendly communities and local services available across Warwickshire.
Residents can also access Dementia Connect in Warwickshire, a personalised support service funded by the Council and provided by the Alzheimer's Society. The service offers practical support, advice, information and signposting to local services for people living with dementia, as well as their families, friends and carers. Carers are encouraged to seek support from the Caring Together Warwickshire service, which offers advice, information and support to unpaid carers throughout the county.
WCC is also encouraging residents to focus on their overall health and wellbeing through its Five Ways to Wellbeing approach. For people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, staying connected, keeping active, taking notice, learning new things and engaging with their community can help support emotional wellbeing, maintain confidence and promote independence.
Warwickshire County Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health, said:
“World Alzheimer's Day is an important opportunity to challenge the stigma that can still surround dementia and to raise awareness of the benefits of seeking help early.
This year’s theme The Earlier you know, the more you can do highlights the vital role that diagnosis plays in supporting people to access the information, treatment, care and support they need.
“An early diagnosis can help people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, better understand the condition, plan and connect with services that can support them to live well for longer. As research continues to advance, it is important that people recognise the early signs of dementia and seek advice if they have concerns.
“We want residents to know that they are not alone. There is a wide range of support available to help people at every stage of their dementia journey.”
As part of ongoing efforts to support people affected by dementia, residents are also invited to attend a Dementia conversation and lunch event at Bedworth Heath Community Centre on Thursday 15 October 2026, from 1pm to 3.30pm.
The event will provide an opportunity to find out more about dementia, learn about local support services, connect with others, and share experiences over lunch.
To find out more about the event, please contact the Nuneaton and Bedworth Community Partnership Team at cdwnunandbed@warwickshire.gov.uk
For more information about dementia support and other wellbeing services available in Warwickshire, visit the Living Well website and discover ways to connect, thrive and live well. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/livingwell