“A Dementia-Friendly community is informed, safe, and respectful of individuals living with dementia, their families and caregivers, and provides supportive options that foster a good quality of life.” DFAmerica.org
The Dementia Friendly Movement
Dementia Friendly America envisions an America where individuals living with dementia and their care partners can live, engage, and thrive in the community, no matter where they live. The Dementia Friendly movement began in the United States after the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. Since that time, DF communities have been developed in 43 states, with a mission to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide quality dementia-friendly resources, education & support.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an “umbrella term” referring to a range of neurological conditions that affect a person’s brain condition over time. Common symptoms include problems with thinking & problem solving, loss of memory, problems with language and understanding, changes in behavior and perception, and confusion. You can watch a short video about dementia from the National Institute on Aging here. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, but there are many other conditions that cause similar symptoms. You may also hear people refer to Mild Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Impairment, or Cognitive Loss. Dementia is not a normal part of aging – it is the result of diseases in the brain.
The Impact of Dementia in Texas
Did you know that, according to Texas Health & Human Services, over 400,000 Texans over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Add to that the number of people living with Alzheimer’s who are under age 65, and those whose Dementia is from other causes and you begin to see the size of the impact in Texas.
Texas ranks fourth in the nation in the number of Alzheimer’s cases, and second in the nation in the number of Alzheimer’s deaths.
Over one million unpaid caregivers provide care to Texans living with Alzheimer’s each year. This equates to over 1.5 billion hours of unpaid care at a cost of approximately $23.6 billion dollars per year.
Dementia Friendly’s 5 Key Messages
Dementia Friendly America espouses 5 key messages:
- Dementia is not just about memory loss.
- Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
- Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain.
- People can still live well with dementia.
- There is more to a person than a dementia diagnosis.
Dementia Friendly in Texas
Currently there are eight Dementia Friendly Communities in Texas: Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton County, Fort Worth, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Tyler. Other communities have begun to organize, but are not yet established. A full list of DF Communities in the United States can be found at DFAmerica.org/community-directory/.
What does a Dementia Friendly Community Look Like?
Every community in the United States has a unique set of strengths and opportunities, therefore each community’s Dementia Friendly initiatives will look a little different. Dementia Friendly Dallas currently focuses on these initiatives: Dementia Friend Education Sessions, DF @ Work, DF Engage Memory Cafes, Respite Support, and DF Faith Communities.
DF Dallas has also developed a useful checklist you can use to help determine if a program, event, or organization is Dementia Friendly. You can download a printable version of the Dementia Friendly Checklist here.
To learn more about Dementia Friendly America or Dementia Friendly initiatives in your area go to DFAmerica.org. For more information about Dementia Friendly Dallas, go to DFDallas.org.
