What can you do this Dementia Action Week?

18th May 2026

It's Dementia Action Week, an awareness campaign led by Alzheimer's Society, bringing people and organisations together to act on dementia.

Research shows that social isolation is linked to an increased risk of dementia, with studies suggesting it may raise risk by around 60%. Social isolation refers to how often someone sees friends and family or takes part in social and community activities. It is different from loneliness, which is more about how a person feels about their situation.

The link between isolation and dementia is complex. It’s not always clear how much isolation itself contributes, as it can also be a consequence of cognitive decline. It is also connected to other risk factors such as physical inactivity and depression.

One theory is that social contact helps build 'cognitive reserve' - the brain’s resilience to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Staying socially active may support healthier behaviours, reduce stress and inflammation, and help protect mood and memory.

In short, staying connected doesn’t just support how we feel day to day - it may also help support long-term brain health.

Village halls and other community buildings play an important role in helping to combat social isolation, by delivering and hosting a broad range of community events, activities, and services, for everyone in their community.

This Dementia Action Week ACT is reminding village hall committees, and anyone who runs community activities and events, of two useful guides produced by our ACRE Network partner, Community First in Herefordshire and Worcestershire:

Dementia Friendly Village Halls - A Guide and Checklist

Although everybody experiences dementia differently, symptoms associated with dementia can have a significant impact on an individual’s confidence and ability to continue to lead an independent and full life. Village halls can play a key role in enabling people living with dementia to continue to enjoy a varied range of activities and to remain valued members of their community.

Many people living with dementia can find the physical environment challenging, causing agitation, disorientation and distress. Older people generally have poorer eyesight and hearing, and dementia may cause additional visual and perceptual impairments.

The guide includes a practical checklist which focuses on aspects of the physical environment known to be important to people living with dementia, which will also help older people and those with intellectual or physical disabilities, using the hall.

Download the guide here

Dementia Friendly Village Halls - How I can make a difference

An Alzheimer’s Society survey found that 69% of people with dementia said the main reason they stopped going out is a lack of confidence. Your encouragement and support can give them that confidence, so they remain active and happy members of your community.

The booklet shows some of the simple things you can do to make that difference; to help be prepared to take the initiative and make things as easy and welcoming as possible.

Village hall committees are encouraged to share this with all individuals and organisations when they book the hall, so that they can also contribute to making the village hall more dementia friendly.

Download the guide here

Become a Dementia Friend

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative is all about increasing people’s understanding of dementia and inspiring everyone to make a difference for people affected by the condition in their communities.

Whether you attend a face-to-face or virtual Dementia Friends Session or watch the short online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. – Find out more about becoming a Dementia Friend

For more information about this year's Dementia Action Week, 18 - 24 May, and how to get involved visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week

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