As part of the County and City’s Purposeful Aging Los Angeles initiative, the County and City of Los Angeles have joined with Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles to announce the launch of Dementia Friends.

Dementia Friends is a campaign to spread awareness of dementia and encourage County and City employees, as well as members of the public, to become “Dementia Friends.” Dementia Friends is part of a global social change movement that aims to transform the way we think, talk, and act about dementia. Becoming a Dementia Friend only requires completion of a short online or in-person session that empowers participants to support those with dementia in their communities and to reduce the stigma associated with this illness.

Each of us can play a significant part in making sure that Los Angeles County provides a supportive environment for those with various forms of dementia,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Board Chair Sheila Kuehl. “Sometimes it’s as simple as a smile and a kind word to make those impacted by dementia feel welcome in our communities.”

“Making Los Angeles the most age-friendly city in the world means changing the conversation around dementia — because a lack of understanding shouldn’t keep us from giving our loved ones the compassion and support they deserve,” said Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles. “This initiative will help us better understand what dementia is, how it affects us, and what we can do to make a difference in people’s lives.”

With the older adult population expected to double by 2025 and 1.6 million individuals supporting a loved one living with dementia, the time is now to come together to ensure our communities are age-friendly and dementia-friendly.

“I believe we can improve the lives of those living with dementia by increasing understanding and awareness throughout the greater community. That’s why I authored a motion in 2016 to prepare our region to better serve our aging population by launching the Purposeful Aging Los Angeles Initiative. I am proud to be a Dementia Friend to show people in the community that we are here to help. Please join me in becoming a Dementia Friend to help make the County of Los Angeles dementia-friendly,” stated Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County 1st District Supervisor.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and the entire Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors—including Chair Sheila Kuehl, Hilda L. Solis, Janice Hahn, Mark Ridley-Thomas, and Kathryn Barger—have become Dementia Friends. In video remarks from the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors, the greater public is invited to join them in becoming a Dementia Friend.

To become a Dementia Friend click here or call 844-HELP-ALZ (844.435.7259). The session is available online or in-person.