Dementia Friends is a global public awareness movement changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia through free information sessions. Anyone is welcome to attend a session to gain awareness about dementia and discover simple ways to support dementia-friendly communities.
Information sessions cover topics such as what dementia is, the most common type, less common types, typical aging compared to early signs and symptoms, key messages to know, communication tips, information about brain health, and free community resources.
In the United States, there are 38 states participating in the Dementia Friends program, housed within Dementia Friendly America, a part of USAging. Each state involved designates a state lead. In Washington, the state lead for the program, the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, partners with organizations, agencies, and volunteers around the state to expand the program and bring on new Dementia Friends. In the past two years, more than 4,000 people in WA have joined the movement.
The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2) serves as a national licensee of the Dementia Friends program for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Through a partnership with the Dementia Engagement, Education, and Research (DEER) program in Nevada and the CDC, the Dementia Friends curriculum was culturally adapted for these communities.
Section three of the culturally adapted curriculum highlights the strength and resiliency of AI/AN communities, the prevalence of dementia, and ways to reduce risk through health promotion, cultural practices, and social and emotional well-being. The progression of dementia is explained using a long analogy of a river in a winter storm, which was written by Dr. Anton (Waagosh) Treuer, Professor of Ojibwe, Bemidji State University. In the analogy, progressing dementia is like the wind and snow that makes the river harder and harder to navigate, yet emotional and feeling experiences can remain strong and continue to flow even under thick ice.
As stated in the curriculum, “American Indian and Alaska Native people living with dementia need to be understood and supported in their communities. You can help by becoming a Dementia Friend.” This culturally adapted curriculum is available to tribal communities throughout Washington state. Virtual information sessions and training opportunities are available to tribal members interested in sharing the program in their communities through IA2.
“The information was easy to understand and presented well,” said an AI/AN session attendee.
American Indian and Alaska Native community adaptation- virtual Dementia Friends Information Session dates:
www.iasquared.org/find-an-information-session
American Indian and Alaska Native community adaptation- Dementia Friends Champion training dates:
www.iasquared.org/dementia-friends/become-a-champion
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