Dementia Friendly Massachusetts (DFM) is an initiative of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and a member of Dementia Friendly America. This state-wide grassroots movement is comprised of organizations, individuals, and municipalities helping grow dementia friendly communities, generously supported by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. Our goal of DFM is to increase the number of municipalities around the Commonwealth that commit to supporting those living with dementia, their families, and care partners, by signing the DFM Pledge. DFM offers educational and networking events, access to online resources, and guidance to help communities to become dementia-friendly. Please reach out to DFM project manager Patty Sullivan. You can reach Patty at patty@mcoaonline.com to get more info.
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Alzheimer's Association
Free Virtual Education Programs
Check out the free education programs from the Alzheimer's Association. Understanding the challenges will help you take control. Strategies are taught to manage day-to-day activities, as someone living with an Alzheimer's diagnosis or as a care partner. All programs are presented virtually, live and at no cost to you!
There are currently 7,591 Dementia Friends in Massachusetts!
Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends initiative is well underway in Massachusetts. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia. Click on here to learn how to become a Dementia Friend!
A memory café is a welcoming place for people with dementia
due to any medical cause, at any stage of disease progression. Other changes in their thinking and for their family and friends. A virtual memory cafe is no different and meaningful social connection can happen at virtual cafes! All cafés in-person and virtual share one goal: to help guests feel comfortable and to know that they are not alone. Cafés are a place to talk with others who understand what you are going through, to forget about limitations and instead focus on strengths, to enjoy other’s company, and to explore something new. Check out the current list of
Browse the books on Dementia compiled on the Dementia Friendly MA site in the "Books" folder under DFM materials by type. There are many wonderful books to enjoy and share with children who may have a family member or neighbor who lives with Dementia.
People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia's may start having trouble managing their finances several years before their diagnosis. According to new research supported by NIA. Published online in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study is the first large-scale analysis of people’s ability to manage their money before and after a dementia diagnosis.
IBM researchers have looked into the possibility of who may develop Alzheimer’s disease after looking at writing patterns years before symptoms appear. Click here to read the NY times article
