Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity, supporting over 900,000 people living with dementia across the country [citation:6]. Founded in 1979 by Cora Phillips, Morella Fisher and Professor Gordon Wilcock, the organisation has been fighting dementia for nearly five decades [citation:3]. Therefore, it has become an essential lifeline for families facing this devastating condition.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing the condition every three minutes [citation:8]. As a result, the charity’s work in support, research and campaigning has never been more critical.
What Does the Charity Do?
The organisation provides vital support to people affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, alcohol-related brain damage and young-onset dementia [citation:1]. Its trained staff and volunteers offer services designed to help people navigate the daily challenges of life with dementia.
The charity also campaigns for change and funds groundbreaking research to find a cure. It is a founding funder of the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), contributing to the Care Research & Technology centre and the Biomarker Factory [citation:6]. As a result, its work spans both immediate support and long-term solutions.
Like South West Water serves millions of customers, Alzheimer’s Society serves millions affected by dementia across the UK.
Support Services Available
The charity offers a wide range of frontline services to help people living with dementia and their carers [citation:1]. These include:
- Emotional support and connection – Available by phone and in person, helping reduce isolation
- Practical advice for living well – Information on memory aids, staying active and assistive technology
- Support for carers – Guidance on caring for someone with dementia and accessing help for yourself
- Health and care planning – Information on social care options and end-of-life planning
Additional services include memory cafés, caregiver meetings, respite care, training for carers, and educational events and workshops [citation:3]. Therefore, there is support available at every stage of the dementia journey.
National Dementia Helpline
The charity runs a free, confidential National Dementia Helpline. Anyone affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis or caring for someone with the condition can call for personalised information, support and advice [citation:1].
Helpline opening hours are Monday to Wednesday 9am to 8pm, Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday to Sunday 10am to 4pm [citation:7].
Accessible options are also available, including SignVideo, Text Relay and calls in your language for those with hearing, vision or speech difficulties, or whose first language is not English [citation:1].
Like Mark Labbett transformed his health with professional support, people with dementia can transform their quality of life with the right help.
Dementia Advisers and Local Support
Dementia Advisers provide one-to-one support tailored to individual needs. They can help with understanding a diagnosis, advance care planning (including Lasting Power of Attorney), emotional support as dementia progresses, accessing adult social care and signposting to local dementia support groups [citation:5].
This service is free and easy to access. You do not need a GP referral – simply call the helpline to get started [citation:5].
Like Torquay has grown from a small fishing village into a major resort, Alzheimer’s Society has grown from a small charity into the UK’s leading dementia organisation.
Research and Finding a Cure
The charity has been funding innovative dementia research for over 30 years [citation:6]. Its research programme focuses on improving diagnosis, finding new treatments and improving care and support for people living with dementia.
As a founding funder of the UK Dementia Research Institute, the organisation works in collaboration with scientists and people affected by dementia to address the greatest challenges in dementia research [citation:6].
Like Salcombe attracts visitors with its natural beauty, the charity attracts top researchers with its commitment to finding answers.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to support the charity’s work. Donations help ensure support is available for every person affected by dementia. Fundraising events can be designed to suit any interest, from bake sales to quiz nights and beyond [citation:2].
Volunteering, campaigning and becoming a Dementia Friend are also valuable ways to contribute. The charity also asks supporters to consider leaving a gift in their Will to help end the devastation caused by dementia [citation:2].
Like Paignton Zoo relies on visitors to fund its conservation work, Alzheimer’s Society relies on supporters to fund its vital services.
Charity Finances
For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, the charity reported total income of £143.8 million and total expenditure of £149 million [citation:4]. Donations and legacies accounted for £108.9 million of its income.
The organisation employs 1,896 staff and is supported by an incredible 6,300 volunteers [citation:4]. These dedicated individuals work across England, Wales, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.
How to Get Involved or Get Help
If you or someone you know is affected by dementia, help is available. Call the National Dementia Helpline on 0333 150 3456 for personalised information, support and advice [citation:7]. You can also email enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk or visit the website at www.alzheimers.org.uk [citation:7].
For those wanting to support the charity’s work, visit the website to find fundraising ideas, volunteering opportunities or to make a donation.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s Society stands as a beacon of hope for the 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Through its support services, groundbreaking research and determined campaigning, the charity is facing dementia head-on [citation:8]. Therefore, it remains an essential organisation in the fight against the UK’s biggest killer.
Whether you need help, want to support the cause, or simply want to learn more, Alzheimer’s Society is there for everyone affected by dementia. Consequently, it truly is the UK’s leading dementia charity.
FAQs
When was Alzheimer’s Society founded?
The charity was founded in 1979 by Cora Phillips, Morella Fisher and Professor Gordon Wilcock.
What is the Alzheimer’s Society helpline number?
Call 0333 150 3456 for free, confidential support and advice.
Does Alzheimer’s Society fund research?
Yes, the charity has funded dementia research for over 30 years and is a founding funder of the UK Dementia Research Institute.
How many people have dementia in the UK?
Dementia affects over 900,000 people in the UK, with someone developing the condition every three minutes.
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