Neurological Awareness
Looking at the World from a Window: Starting with a Dementia Story
It’s a Sunday morning. Imagine an elderly woman looking outside from her window. Her face is both hopeful and sad. In her eyes are traces of the countless stories she once told her children and grandchildren. Today, while watching the crowd outside, she struggles to remember names. Each day, fading details shrink her world. While she looks out that window, knowing she’s not alone is more important than anything else. This is where the concept of a “dementia-friendly community” comes into play. Because this sense of loneliness is a common thread shared by many people living with dementia and their families.
What is Dementia? Why Does It Matter to Society?
Dementia is a medical, but deeply human process marked by progressive damage to brain cells, leading to forgetfulness, decreased thinking and social skills. There are different types of dementia – the most common is Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the World Health Organization, over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia as of 2023. Nearly 10 million new cases are added each year. In Turkey, this number has reached approximately 600,000. The incidence of dementia increases with age; the risk nearly doubles for individuals over 65.
But dementia affects not only the individual, but their environment, family, and indeed, all of society. As modern medicine extends our lifespans, this reality concerns more and more people. What is important is that as the aging population grows and dementia becomes more common, societal awareness must increase at the same pace.
What is a Dementia-Friendly Community?
A dementia-friendly community is a societal model where individuals affected by dementia and their families are not left alone, their quality of life is supported, and discrimination and prejudice are reduced. It means building an environment—both at individual and community levels—that understands, respects their needs, and enables them to participate in daily life.
This approach goes beyond the healthcare system. It requires human sensitivity and innovation spreading into every area, from city planning and education to organizational culture. In other words, dementia-friendly communities are possible not only through healthcare professionals—but with the contribution of each of us.
Components of a Dementia-Friendly Community
A knowledgeable and empathetic community: People who recognize dementia and its symptoms, and approach it with tolerance.
Appropriate physical environments: Clear signage, accessible infrastructure, and safe social spaces.
Facilitated social participation: Ensuring that people with dementia can engage in social activities and decision-making.
Institutional awareness: Businesses, public agencies, and NGOs with trained staff and inclusive policies.
Peer and family support: Supporting and educating family members and caregivers.
Scientific Foundations: Why Are Individual and Societal Approaches Important?
Because dementia progresses slowly, early signs often go unnoticed. A study published in the British Medical Journal showed that societal awareness and empathetic approaches raise early diagnosis rates and improve quality of life for patients.
The ‘Dementia Friends’ program in the UK is a model to be emulated. In awareness-focused communities, an atmosphere of safety, collaboration, and respect prevails. People with dementia feel they are part of society and issues like depression, anxiety, and isolation can be prevented (Source).
Challenges Faced by People with Dementia
Forgetfulness and confusion: Sometimes losing their way home, forgetting what to buy, or even having trouble recognizing loved ones.
Emotional loneliness: Even a small misunderstanding from others can be emotionally devastating. Isolation is one of dementia’s most invisible burdens.
Stigma and exclusion: Society’s prejudices often push people with dementia to the margins.
Insecurity: Not being able to find their way or getting lost, changes in routine can create serious anxiety and fear.
How Can a Society Change Together?
Breaking Prejudices and Raising Awareness
Many people think dementia only affects the elderly and is a normal part of aging. In reality, dementia is a disease; it can happen to anyone. Informing society—dispersing myths with books, seminars, and social media campaigns—is the first step.
Organizing Educational Programs
Awareness training in schools, workplaces, and social organizations can trigger significant changes. UK-based "Dementia Friends" and "Alzheimer’s Advisory Networks" are inspiring examples (Dementia Friends).
Designing Cities and Transportation for Accessibility
Clear signage and simple maps
Safe crossings and low-traffic areas
Barrier-free spaces
Having public transport staff sensitive to dementia
The Role of Businesses
Markets, banks, cafes—in short, all common places—can be inclusive. Staff can be trained on dementia awareness, and payment and service processes can be made simpler. For example, some cities in Germany have started dementia-friendly supermarket cashiers (More info).
Supporting Families and Caregivers
Family members often bear the greatest burden of dementia. Research shows that caregivers frequently deal with burnout, depression, anxiety, and social isolation (Alzheimer's Association).
Providing psychological counseling and support groups
Offering education programs for families
Providing respite and short-term care services for caregivers
'Dementia-Friendly' Communication Approaches
Speak in short, calm, and simple sentences
Use eye contact and body language
Be patient and allow time for responses
Avoid judgmental or patronizing language
Do not hesitate to repeat the subject often
Even a small smile or a warm “Good morning” can brighten a person’s day.
Creating a Dementia-Friendly Community: Benefits for Everyone
Strengthens empathy: Increases general sensitivity within society.
Promotes inclusivity and accessibility: Creates more accessible spaces not only for people with dementia but also for children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
Improved health outcomes: Earlier diagnosis, more effective care, and enhanced quality of life.
Reduced economic burden: Decreased loneliness and caregiver crises prevent workforce losses across society.
Simple and Meaningful Steps for Everyone
1. Notice, listen, share: If someone in your neighborhood seems forgetful, make eye contact. Don’t judge. Sometimes just listening is enough.
2. Volunteer: Join social support groups and associations. You can organize walks or help with shopping. Spend time with platforms like the Alzheimer Association.
3. Spread the word: Tell those around you about dementia-friendly communities and try to raise awareness on social media. Schools, cafes, even friendly conversations can be a starting point.
For a Better Future Together
Sometimes a single glance captures a lifetime. The longing for memories fading in the eyes of a person living with dementia is, in another way, a searching for a hand filled with love and trust. As a society, being able to say, "You’re never alone," is a rehearsal of our own humanity. Creating a dementia-friendly community is not just for those living with dementia but for every aging person; it really is for all of us.
You don’t need to take giant leaps to start this change. Small and meaningful actions can come together to make a big impact. Every day, there is hope for a better, more compassionate society.
Resources
Bir Sonraki Okuma
