There are many dementia charities in the UK that support people diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and their families. These charities provide crucial financial and emotional support to families affected by dementia and conduct scientific and academic research into the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Whilst there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia, many of these charities are working on the research that will one day beat the disease. These charities often rely on public support to help fund educational resources, advocacy work and research.
Whilst there are many local and regional charities throughout the UK worth supporting, here are some of the largest and most well-known dementia charities in the country.
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is a charitable organisation that focuses on providing support and information to people affected by dementia and their families. They offer various services, including educational resources, support groups, a dementia helpline, and supporting dementia research. With an in-house team of dementia experts, the information and advice provided are always based on the latest and most reliable evidence. The organisation also funds research to find a cure for dementia and raises awareness about the condition.
Dementia UK
Dementia UK is the only national charity supporting families through its Admiral Nurse service. Their specialist nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide free advice, support and understanding to help families care for their loved ones affected by dementia. Its CEO is a Chief Admiral Nurse with 40 years of experience in dementia care, and its Senior Management Team is composed of clinicians and academics.
Alzheimer’s Research UK
Alzheimer’s Research UK is a charitable organisation that supports research into the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia by investing in the best research and the most forward-thinking scientists. Alzheimer’s Research UK also provides educational resources about Alzheimer’s and dementia and organises awareness campaigns that address the stigma and misconceptions surrounding dementia.
Young Dementia Network
Launched in 2016 and hosted by Dementia UK since November 2020, Young Dementia Network is a collaborative network trying to improve the lives of people with young-onset dementia through campaigning and information. Its goal is to influence policy and encourage services for young-onset dementia across the UK and improve the diagnosis experience for the person and their family.
The Lewy Body Society
The Lewy Body Society is a charitable organisation funding research into dementia with Lewy bodies. Started in 2006 as Europe’s only Lewy Body dementia charity, it has led the way in supporting research and raising awareness ever since. The Lewy Body Society runs regular funding rounds where researchers and universities can apply for grants to fund their research projects.
Contented Dementia Trust
The Contented Dementia Trust, formerly known as SPECAL, is an independent charitable organisation that created an innovative approach to caring for someone with dementia. The SPECAL method is all about providing person-centred care from the perspective of the person with the condition. The Contented Dementia Trust offers a range of courses, advice and resources on understanding and applying the SPECAL method.
AgeUK
AgeUK supports older people facing challenges such as a lack of affordable housing, ill health, isolation and health conditions like dementia. Age UK provides expert advice, practical support, friendship and campaigns to ensure older people are protected and their voices heard.
RICE – The Research Institute for the Care of Older People
RICE established one of the first memory clinic services in the UK in 1987 – a service which is now considered the gold standard and best practice by the NHS. The purpose of RICE is to lead essential research and services to improve the lives of people impacted by dementia and other related conditions. While RICE has historically focused on dementia, more recently, it has also researched other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and poor bone health.
Expert dementia care from the live-in care specialists
At Oxford Aunts, we understand how upsetting it can be when a loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia or is living with memory loss that is progressing. As a family carer you may be finding it more and more difficult to cope with the situation – you are not alone.
We have helped and supported thousands of families in Oxfordshire and its surrounding counties in this situation with our high-quality dementia care services. All our dedicated carers are experienced in how to care for someone living with dementia and use a range of best practice techniques.
Our gentle and compassionate carers are able to work to support a person living with dementia so they can live a fulfilled and purposeful life, with reduced anxiety and use of antipsychotic medication.
Our senior management team has a wealth of dementia care experience gained from a variety of care settings and provide expertise and leadership to ensure we provide the very best dementia care at home.
Get in touch with us about your dementia care needs
Our expert care advisors are here to help you understand the options available to you.