Why We Need More Dementia Champions From Every Community

When I speak at community events about dementia, I always feel proud to share my story. It's a privilege to raise awareness, break down stigma, and show people that life with dementia is still a life worth living. But I am also very aware of my limits. I do not come from every community. I cannot carry every cultural experience, every family tradition, or every perspective.

That is why recruiting more people from diverse ethnic groups and communities, especially those with personal experience of dementia, is so important.

The Power of Representation

Dementia doesn't discriminate. It touches every culture, every language, and every faith. Yet too often, the voices that speak about dementia are not fully representative of the people it affects.

When someone from within a community shares their story, it carries a weight and authenticity that no outside speaker can match. It builds trust. It breaks down barriers. It shows others, "You are not alone. Someone like you is living with this, and they understand."

Shared Experience Creates Connection

Personal experience is powerful. When people speak from the heart about their own journey with dementia, it creates empathy and connection. When that voice also reflects the lived experiences, values, and traditions of a community, the message becomes even stronger.

A conversation in a place of worship, a cultural festival, or a local gathering led by someone from that very community can reach people in ways that no leaflet or formal talk ever could. It makes dementia real, relatable, and something we can talk about openly.

Building a Stronger Movement

I enjoy being a speaker and advocate, and I will continue to do my best to spread awareness. But I know the future lies in empowering more people to step up. The more diverse our voices, the stronger and more inclusive our movement becomes.

There are some great champions and role models already doing incredible things. Ronald Amanze, Masood Qureshi (Maq) and a handful of others who live with dementia and work tirelessly to enlighten and inform.

Imagine every community having its own dementia champions. People who can explain things in the right language, with the right cultural understanding, and with the lived experience to inspire hope. That is how we break down stigma. That is how we reach everyone.

A Call to Action

If you are living with dementia, or supporting someone who is, and you come from a community where conversations about dementia do not always happen, please consider stepping forward. Your voice matters. Your story matters. You could be the person who makes the difference, the person who helps others feel seen, heard, and understood.

We need champions. We need you.

Together, we can make sure that dementia awareness truly reflects the rich diversity of our society, and that every community feels supported, understood, and empowered.