About

Dementia Explained has been developed by Alzheimer’s Research UK to help children and teenagers understand dementia, how it affects someone and how this could impact their lives.

Our vision is a world where people are free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.

We are the UK’s leading dementia research charity dedicated to making life-changing breakthroughs in diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure.

Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we’re challenging the way people think about dementia, bringing together the people and organisations who can speed up progress, and investing in research to make life-changing breakthroughs possible.

We are energising a movement across society to support, fund and take part in dementia research. We aim to empower people across all generations through greater understanding of dementia.

The project started as partnership between Alzheimer’s Research UK and a group of staff from the pharmaceutical company Eisai Ltd, who chose to dedicate their time to helping children understand dementia.

Dementia explained has been possible thanks to the generous support of:

The content of the website was managed by Alzheimer’s Research UK, following the principles of the Information Standard to ensure it is accurate, evidence-based and up-to-date. The sponsors provided financial support for the project and had no influence over the content of these pages.

We are grateful for everyone who helped in the development of this site. Special thanks to:

• Children’s science author Isabel Thomas.
• Children’s author Matt Elliott.
• Illustrators James M Threadgold and David William Nunn.
• Angela Stokes for initiating the project.
• Edith Bowman for kindly voicing the story books.
• The dementia experts who have helped create and review  content.
• All of the families and children who have offered support and guidance throughout the project.

If you have any questions or comments about Dementia Explained, please contact us.

The information here does not replace any advice that medical professionals may provide.

The information was updated in November 2017 and is due to be reviewed in November 2019. Please contact us if you would like a referenced version of this information.