Dementia & Brain Health

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Dementia caregiver with woman

Introduction

County of San Diego epidemiologists have estimated that there are approximately 100,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in San Diego County and the prevalence is expected to reach 115,000 by 2030. To help make our region a place that better supports the growing number of older adults with dementia, the County of San Diego became a recognized dementia-friendly community in 2016.

In a dementia-friendly community, people understand dementia, there is less fear and avoidance of those with dementia, and people living with dementia are included and feel supported to live independently for longer.

What does a dementia-friendly community look like?

Local governments plan and implement housing, transportation, public spaces and emergency response that enable people with dementia and care partners to thrive.
Law enforcement and first responders recognize signs of dementia to respond accordingly.
Employers support employees who are caregivers through proactive personnel policies.
Organizations and sectors build awareness, adapt environments, and strengthen community support
Community members learn how to interact sensitively and create networks of support.

Vision

San Diegans have the information they need to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias ; residents with ADRD receive the highest standard of clinical care; individuals with ADRD are well cared for and supported by “Dementia-Friendly” communities to be as independent as possible; and family members have the support they need to care for their loved ones.

Join the Team

The Dementia & Brain Health Team meets virtually on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month* from 10:30am - 12:00pm to promote best practices that support brain health, a dementia-friendly community, and quality care.

2026: Jan 20, Mar 17, May 19, Jul 28*, Sep 15, Nov 17

*The July 2026 meeting will take place on the fourth Tuesday, July 28th, from 10:30am - 12:00pm in-person at the County Operations Center, 5560 Overland Avenue, Rm. 171, San Diego, CA 92123. Please complete a registration form for the meeting if you plan to attend.

For more information or to join the Dementia Team or to be added to the e-mail listserv, please contact AISAlzheimer.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Dementia Friends

AIS provides free Dementia Friends Information Sessions for community groups. In these interactive 1-hour sessions, you will learn about dementia, what it’s like to live with dementia, and actions you can take to support people living with dementia. Sessions are led by certified Dementia Friends Champions and are provided in-person and online. If you are interested in scheduling a Dementia Friends Information Session for your group, please email AISAlzheimer.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.

AIS hosts virtual Dementia Friends sessions on the first Tuesday of every month from 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Advance registration is required.

Below is a list of upcoming in-person Dementia Friends Information Sessions:

Del Mar Library 1309 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 Tuesday, July 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Del Mar Library 1309 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 Tuesday, September 8, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Fallbrook Community Health & Wellness Center 1636 East Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 Tuesday, November 9, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am

Del Mar Library 1309 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 Tuesday, November 10, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

For more information on the Dementia Friends Program or to request a session for your site/group, please email AISAlzheimer.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.

If you are interested in becoming a Dementia Friends Champion and facilitating these sessions, Alzheimer's Los Angeles hosts virtual trainings on a quarterly basis. Advance registration is required.

Resources

Monthly Calendar

The Dementia & Brain Health Team has created a monthly calendar to catalog local events, community meetings, and educational programs related to dementia and caregiving. All activities are free to attend; however, registration may be required. Please click on the blue hyperlink for more information prior to attending an activity.

July 2026 Activities Calendar

Caregiver Handbook

The Caregiver Coalition provides free information and limited services, with referrals to other services as needed. Among Caregiver Coalition resources is the Caregiver Handbook, with chapters on transportation, medical equipment, in-home care options, medication management, and other frequent challenges for new and experienced caregivers. It also has advice on dealing with dementia and mental health issues, along with palliative and hospice care.

The Caregiver Handbook is available in multiple languages. To request a digital or hard copy, please email AISAlzheimer.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Dementia Self-Management Guidebook

If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, then it is important to know: you can live well with dementia. This Dementia Self-Management Guidebook was developed in partnership with six advisors who are living well with dementia. Specifically designed and formatted for people who are living with dementia, each module provides current information and aims to assist you in developing personalized strategies to live your best life.

To receive a hard copy, please email AISAlzheimer.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov. For digital access, please complete a PDF Download Form.

Dementia-Friendly Activities Toolkit

Families and caregivers play a critical role in helping people with dementia to stay engaged. This toolkit includes activities and resources that support the needs of people living with dementia and make it easier for them to remain engaged in pleasurable and interesting activities. When using this toolkit, remember to be flexible with the activities and adjust as needed. Track what works and doesn’t work to improve your next activity.

The Dementia-Friendly Activities Toolkit is available in multiple languages. To receive a digital or hard copy, please email AISAlzheimer.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Free Memory Screening Options

Detecting possible cognitive impairment is the first step in determining whether someone needs further evaluation. Several providers offer free memory screenings in San Diego County, including services in Spanish (denoted by an asterisk*).

Alzheimer's San Diego | (858) 492-4400
Glenner Town Square | (858) 822-4800
*Pacific Research Network | (619) 294-4302
*Sharp Neurocognitive Research Center | (858) 836-8350
*South Bay Latino Research Center | (858) 822-4800
*UC San Diego Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Center | (858) 822-4800

Dementia Communication Card

Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate with others. This can become increasingly challenging and frustrating for the person living with dementia and their caregivers. The Dementia Communication Card is designed to help caregivers facilitate positive and compassionate interactions between the person with dementia and members of the community. For example, during a dental visit a caregiver may wish to hand the card to the dental hygienist. Or, during a trip to a restaurant, the caregiver could hand the card to the server.

The Dementia Communication Card is available in multiple languages. To request hard copies, please email AISAlzheimer.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Sector Brochures with Dementia-Friendly and Elder Abuse Prevention Tips

Every part of the community has a unique role in supporting those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The resources listed below are designed to support sectors in their work towards becoming more dementia-friendly. In a “dementia-friendly” community, people with dementia live as independently as possible and continue to experience a sense of inclusion and dignity.

Brochures are available in multiple languages for 8 sectors: