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Charities

The UK is blessed with a number of charities who provide various focal points from research to advice and support for those living with Dementia.  Some of the most recognised charities are listed below.

Age UK

Age UK is a leading UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people, including those with dementia. Operating nationwide, it provides befriending services, practical help (e.g., cleaning, shopping), and advice on benefits and legal issues. While not dementia-specific, it supports the 1 in 3 over-65s affected by the condition, offering a safety net for age-related challenges. Funded by donations and grants, Age UK runs community programs and campaigns for better elderly care. Its services promote independence and well-being, ensuring older adults, especially those with dementia, live with dignity and support

 

Alzheimer Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland, the leading Scottish dementia charity, offers a 24-hour helpline and local services. It campaigns for rights and provides personalized support, aiming to enhance care quality and awareness across Scotland for all dementia types.

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity, supports those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With over 900,000 people impacted, it offers a helpline for expert advice, local memory cafes, and carer resources to combat isolation and empower support. The charity funds research into disease mechanisms and treatments, collaborating with scientists for breakthroughs. It advocates for better healthcare policies and raises awareness to promote early intervention. Funded by donations and events, Alzheimer’s Society drives hope, combining support and research to minimize dementia’s impact and work toward a cure.

 

Alzheimer's Research UK

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to finding cures, improving diagnoses, and preventing all dementia types, including Alzheimer’s. Since 1992, it has funded over 1,275 projects with more than £237 million, supporting 2,000+ scientists across 120 institutions. The charity runs a Dementia Research Infoline, provides trusted health information, and campaigns for increased research funding. Through initiatives like the Drug Discovery Alliance and UK Dementia Research Institute, it accelerates treatment development. Reliant on donations, it engages supporters via events and payroll giving, aiming for a world free from dementia’s fear, harm, and heartbreak.

 

Dementia Carers Count

Dementia Carers Count is a UK charity dedicated to supporting the over 700,000 family carers of people with dementia. Offering free services, it provides expert advice via a helpline (0800 652 1102), online courses, and a Virtual Carers Centre with resources from health professionals. The charity advocates for better care, addressing the 90% of carers reaching crisis points, and campaigns for systemic change. Reliant on donations, it empowers carers with skills and confidence through tailored support, reducing isolation.

Dementia Concern

Dementia Concern, established in 1982, is a charity based in the London Borough of Ealing, dedicated to supporting people with dementia and their carers. It offers monitoring services for those living alone, day care at centers like Elm Lodge, and social clubs to foster community and provide respite. With a focus on independence, it provides advice through dementia link workers and advisers, addressing financial and emotional challenges. Reliant on donations and recent £20,000 National Lottery funding, it enhances lives through tailored activities.

Dementia Forward

Dementia Forward is a leading charity in York and North Yorkshire, offering specialized support for people with dementia and their families. Founded in 2012, it provides pre- and post-diagnosis assistance through helplines (03300 578592), home visits, and community services like wellbeing cafes and singing groups. With 60 staff and 200 volunteers, it promotes independence and reduces isolation with tailored activities. The charity relies on donations and local community support to sustain its free, confidential services, aiming to integrate dementia care into society. Its focus on personalized support ensures individuals live well for longer.

Dementia Research UK

Dementia Research UK is a charity committed to improving lives by funding medical research, support services, and assistive technologies across the UK. Focused on all dementia types, it supports projects to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and daily living for those affected. As a grant-making organization, it partners with experts to drive innovation, emphasizing that dementia is not a normal part of aging but a cluster of brain diseases. Reliant on donations, it offers resources and aims to reduce stigma.

Dementia UK

Dementia UK is a leading UK charity providing specialized support through its Admiral Nurse service, offering free, expert advice to families affected by dementia. Operating across the UK, it delivers personalized care via a helpline and virtual clinics, addressing emotional and practical challenges. Merged with Young Dementia UK, it also supports younger patients. The charity funds training for nurses and raises awareness, aiming to enhance dementia care quality. Reliant on donations and fundraising, Dementia UK strives to reduce the burden on families, ensuring compassionate support and hope for those living with this challenging condition.

 

 

The Lewy Body Society

The Lewy Body Society, the UK’s first charity dedicated exclusively to Lewy body dementia (LBD), was established in 2006. As Europe’s pioneer in this field, it supports the 10-15% of dementia cases affected by LBD, the second most common type after Alzheimer’s. The charity funds ground breaking research, raises awareness, and provides a community focus for patients, carers, and families. Through campaigns and resources, it educates the public and medical professionals, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment. Reliant on donations, it strives to reduce the “forgotten dementia” stigma and enhance lives.

Race Against Dementia

Race Against Dementia (RAD), founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE after his wife Helen’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, is a global charity driving pioneering dementia research. Established in 2016, it funds early-career scientists with a unique Fellowship Programme, applying an F1 mindset of innovation and speed. RAD has invested over £2 million in projects worldwide, aiming to prevent and cure dementia, which affects over 55 million people globally. With support from partners like Alzheimer’s Research UK, it accelerates breakthroughs through cutting-edge research. Reliant on donations, RAD hosts events like RAD Day (January 21, 2025) to raise awareness and funds.

Rare Dementia Support

Rare Dementia Support focuses on less common dementias like posterior cortical atrophy and Lewy body dementia. It provides support groups, newsletters, and expert advice, fostering an inclusive community for those affected by these niche conditions.

ReMind UK

Based in Bath, ReMind UK is an independent charity conducting research and offering memory clinic services. It provides diagnosis, treatment, and support, including a free guide funded by the National Lottery, aiming to enhance dementia care and research outcomes.

RICE

RICE, the Research Institute for the Care of Older People, is a UK charity based in Bath, dedicated to improving care and research for age-related disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Established in 1987, it pioneered memory clinics now considered NHS gold standards, offering diagnosis, treatment, and support. RICE collaborates globally, conducts research to enhance care quality, and supports carers through education. Its services include memory assessments and community outreach, funded by donations and grants.

 

Royal Voluntary Service

Royal Voluntary Service mobilizes volunteers to support NHS patients and those with dementia. It offers companionship, transport, and lifestyle assistance, helping maintain independence. Its dementia services aim to ease transitions and provide comfort in challenging situations.

Dementia, a progressive condition affecting memory, thinking, and daily functioning, impacts over 900,000 people in the UK, with projections estimating 1.6 million by 2040. This growing crisis has spurred a robust network of charities dedicated to supporting those affected, their families, and carers. These organizations provide a lifeline through research, practical assistance, emotional support, and advocacy, addressing the diverse needs arising from conditions like Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

These charities provide a spectrum of services:

  • Support Services: Helplines, home visits, support groups, and cafes offer emotional and practical aid.
  • Research: Funding for studies on causes, treatments, and prevention drives long-term solutions.
  • Education: Resources and training empower patients, carers, and professionals.
  • Advocacy: Campaigns influence policy, improve funding, and reduce stigma.
  • Specialized Care: Tailored programs address specific needs (e.g., young-onset, rare dementias).

Contacting a dementia charity depends on your situation:

  • Early Concerns: If memory lapses or confusion arise, contact for diagnosis guidance (e.g., Alzheimer’s Society, RICE).
  • Post-Diagnosis: Seek support for care planning, legal advice, or community engagement (e.g., Dementia UK, Age UK).
  • Caring Challenges: Reach out during carer stress or behavior issues (e.g., Dementia Carers Count, Contented Dementia Trust).
  • Specialized Needs: Contact for rare or young-onset dementia (e.g., Rare Dementia Support, Dementia UK).
  • Research Interest: Engage for trials or funding (e.g., Alzheimer’s Research UK, RAD).
  • Urgent Support: Use 24-hour lines (e.g., Alzheimer Scotland) for immediate help.

UK dementia charities form a vital network, offering diverse support from research to daily care. Their services cater to every stage—pre-diagnosis worries to end-of-life planning—ensuring no one faces dementia alone. Contacting them at the right time maximizes benefits, aligning with individual or family needs