Dementia Friends

Your stories

“People with dementia live in the moment. Being a Dementia Friend doesn’t mean giving up your life. Even the smallest of actions can make a big difference.”

Bronwyn’s story

Read Bronwyn's story

By becoming a Dementia Friend you’re joining a growing community of Kiwis helping to make Aotearoa New Zealand a kinder, more supportive, inclusive and understanding place for people living with dementia mate wareware.

Once you have completed the registration, the course only takes 20 minutes. 

Completing the course 

When you click on this link you’ll be going to our new Dementia Learning Centre platform.  The new platform means you will need to create a new login if you want to do the module again – something we highly recommend to refresh your knowledge!

Certificates will no longer be emailed to you but can be downloaded straight away. You can log back in at any time to download it.

Unfortunately, this does mean your previous login will no longer work. If you became a Dementia Friend before 1 November 2026 and would like a copy of your certificate, please email learningDLC@alzheimers.org.nz.

What does a Dementia Friend do? 

As a Dementia Friend, you’re supporting those living with dementia mate wareware in your community to live well. The Dementia Friends programme will show you simple ways that you can help.   

Being a Dementia Friend doesn’t have to take lots of your time or be a big commitment. Some simple Dementia Friendly actions you can take include being kind and helpful to people during your day, thinking about how you communicate, or offering to help someone in supermarket or on the street. 

Complete the Dementia Friends 20-minute programme to learn more. 

By becoming a Dementia Friend, you’re joining a community of Dementia Friends across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world. Simple, small actions really do help! 

Share your story 

We’d love to hear more about why you became a Dementia Friend and what this means to you – reach out to us on comms@alzheimers.org.nz. 

You can also follow us on the Dementia Friendly NZ Facebook page. 

I’m worried and want help 

If you’re worried you or someone you know is showing signs of dementia mate wareware, the best place to start is by talking to your see your Doctor/Primary Health Practice/Nurse Practitioner or Māori Health Provider. 

If you have dementia mate wareware or are the care partner or whānau of someone with dementia mate wareware, you can call 0800 004 001 or contact your local organisation for help and support.