Understanding dementia
Why staying connected matters
This Dementia Action Week (18–24 May 2026), we're joining Alzheimer's Society in raising awareness of dementia and highlighting how our Active Minds programme is helping people in our community live better with it.
1 in 14 people over 65 are living with dementia in the UK
1 in 6 people over 80 are affected
1 in 3 people with dementia in the UK do not yet have a diagnosis
What is dementia?
Dementia is not an inevitable part of getting older. The word describes a set of symptoms, including changes to memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour, that develop over time as a result of diseases that affect the brain. The most common of these is Alzheimer's disease.
While age is the biggest risk factor (almost 10 times as many people in their late 80s have dementia compared to those in their late 60s), age alone doesn't cause it.
A combination of age-related brain changes and other factors contribute to the likelihood of developing the diseases that lead to dementia. Crucially, everyone experiences dementia differently.
How Active Minds helps
★ Community Project of the Year — Wokingham Community Awards
We know that people living with dementia often withdraw from friends, hobbies and group activities as symptoms become harder to manage. That isolation doesn't just affect the individual, it can make life harder for carers too.
Our Active Minds groups are designed to change that. Sessions are for older people experiencing early symptoms of cognitive impairment and are delivered in small groups of no more than 10 people.
The programme draws on techniques from Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST), an evidence-informed approach for people with early-stage mild to moderate dementia.
Volunteer-facilitated activities including quizzes, word games and group discussions are designed to stimulate thinking in an informal, reassuring environment.
Each course runs for 8 consecutive weekly sessions. The aim is simple: improve confidence, make new friends, and have fun. Older people can refer themselves, or be referred by a family member or professional.
Join us
There has never been greater need for this kind of community connection. If you know someone who might benefit from Active Minds, or if you'd like to support the programme, we'd love to hear from you.
Self-referrals, family referrals and professional referrals are all welcome.