This World Alzheimer’s Month (September 2025), specialist dementia nursing charity Dementia UK is encouraging open and honest conversations about dementia.
Dementia UK has shared a series of honest conversations between people affected by dementia over the course of September with the final ‘Open Conversations’ film shared on World Alzheimer’s Day (21st September 2025), developed with the aim of opening up conversations around dementia.
One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime. Either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both, yet many people still do not feel comfortable discussing it.
Paul Edwards, Chief Nursing Officer at Dementia UK, said: “It is so important to share the real experiences of people with dementia, so that others know they are not alone. Living with a diagnosis can be exhausting and overwhelming, but the inspirational people in our films show that speaking honestly and openly about dementia can be so important for all those involved. We thank these people for being so brave and sharing their stories.
“Talking about dementia can make a world of difference to those affected by the condition – whether it’s amongst family and friends, or with one of Dementia UK’s specialist Admiral Nurses.”
The final video of the series, Open Conversations, features real experiences from three families with different dementia journeys, alongside Safia Seini, Admiral Nurse for Black, African and Caribbean Communities.
Will and Ronnie Dean
Will and his mum Ronnie talk candidly about their personal experience of dementia. Ronnie was diagnosed with young onset dementia at 49 years old, Will was just 16 at the time. After seeking support through Dementia UK’s Helpline, the family were able to navigate life beyond Ronnie’s diagnosis with hope for the future.
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Ronnie Dean, said: “Getting my diagnosis was a shock. I went back to my office, locked the door and cried my eyes out. As a family, we’ve always been so open, but I felt I had to shield my children from the reality of what I was facing. I’m so thankful for Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, through their support and guidance, they gave me and my family a glimmer of hope for the future.”
Elene Maynard-Scantlebury
Elene’s mum was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2019. She searched high and low for support and advice but didn’t get anywhere until she discovered Dementia UK’s free Helpline. In the film, she speaks candidly about the stigma around dementia in the Black, African and Caribbean communities and is joined by Admiral Nurse, Safia Senni, who discusses the importance of culturally tailored care.
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Elene Maynard-Scantlebury said: “When my mum was first diagnosed, I didn’t know what to do. A lot of families from African and Caribbean communities struggle to seek a diagnosis because of stigma and being afraid of being discriminated against. There needs to be greater support for carers, so we do not face this battle alone.”
Sylvia and George Wright
In 2019, the couple – who had been happily married for 56 years – had their world turned upside down when Sylvia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, they had to adapt to the new challenges that came their way, but their relationship has made remained stronger than ever.
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Sylvia Wright said: “When I was first diagnosed, I felt like I was on a cliff, hanging on with my fingers, and I was terrified I was going to fall. I needed someone to catch my hand and pull me up. George and the girls reassured me that they would look after me and they did – they were my hand-catchers.”
To watch Dementia UK’s Open Conversation’s films, visit: https://www.dementiauk.org/
If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org.
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About Dementia UK
Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nurse charity. The charity’s Admiral Nurses provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia.
Admiral Nurses work in hospitals, GP practices and local community and national services, including the charity’s national Helpline and virtual clinics, to provide clinical, emotional and practical support which enables people to live more positively with dementia.
For more information visit www.dementiauk.org, follow Dementia UK on Twitter: @DementiaUK, and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DementiaUK
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