Grace Fisher is a final year medical student at Warwick Medical School. She is a member of the BGS Medical Student Subgroup.
Every year on 21 September, World Alzheimer’s Day reminds us of the lives touched by dementia: over 900,000 people in the UK alone, and the families, carers, and communities that support them. But it’s not just a day for statistics. It’s a day to listen, understand, and act.
During my time at medical school, I’ve been involved in initiatives such as Dementia Action Awareness Week, and these experiences have been profoundly eye-opening. Meeting people living with dementia and hearing their stories has shown me that dementia is far more than memory loss. It is a deeply human experience, full of resilience, humour, and strength. It’s also a condition that impacts families and communities in ways that can’t always be captured by a textbook.
Raising awareness at medical school matters
Promoting dementia awareness within medical education is crucial. As future doctors, we are often the first point of contact for patients and their families. Understanding dementia, recognising its early signs, and appreciating the lived experience behind the diagnosis allows us to provide compassionate, person-centred care. Awareness campaigns at medical school also help break down stigma among peers and encourage students to actively advocate for inclusion and support for people living with dementia.
Small actions can have a big impact
Supporting people with dementia doesn’t always require grand gestures. Simple, thoughtful actions can make a real difference:
- Wearing a blue Alzheimer’s Society badge signals awareness and support.
- Speaking slowly and clearly, offering patience, and giving extra time during conversations.
- Creating dementia-friendly spaces, even in study areas or hospitals, by using clear signage and reducing noise or clutter.
These small gestures, repeated daily, create an environment where people living with dementia feel seen, understood, and valued.
Take action this World Alzheimer’s Day
- Learn and share: Understand dementia, challenge misconceptions, and spread awareness.
- Get involved: Volunteer with local dementia projects or support groups.
- Advocate boldly: Encourage dementia-friendly practices in healthcare, workplaces, and communities.
World Alzheimer’s Day is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a call to humanity. Every act of understanding, every effort to include, and every moment of compassion matters. Together, we can create a society where people living with dementia are not defined by their diagnosis but celebrated for their individuality, dignity, and resilience.
Let’s make every day a day that truly counts for awareness, for support, and for people living with dementia.
