Inspired by her grandmother's dementia journey, Alessia became a Dementia Friends Champion in 2014 and, later, transitioned to the Dementia Friends Ambassador role. Witnessing her grandmother's transformation and her own emotional distance motivated Alessia to seek more understanding of dementia and combat the stigma that still surrounds the condition.
"I pulled away from my grandmother; I couldn't recognize the person she had become. After she passed, I had to confront myself - why had I created that distance? Would I have done the same if it were any other illness?"
Alessia's journey with Dementia Friends began after a powerful encounter with a Dementia Friends Information Session. Inspired to understand her own grandmother's experience with dementia and combat the stigma surrounding it, she embarked on a mission to spread awareness.
"I felt a deep sense of responsibility towards my grandma; she meant the world to me.”
Alessia says she needed to understand what the family went through, and how dementia affects not just individuals but entire families and communities.
“It became my way of fighting the stigma, because everyone, regardless of their challenges, deserves to feel supported and understood."
Alessia’s grandma
Over the course of a decade, Alessia has delivered an impressive 72 Dementia Friends Information Sessions, creating over 1,100 Dementia Friends in the process. She recently transitioned to the Dementia Friends Ambassador role, reflecting her dedication and passion for the cause.
Alessia says she finds each session unique, learning from the diverse attendees and their questions.
“The satisfaction comes not just from the numbers, but from witnessing the growth of supportive communities around those affected by dementia.”
Her knowledge even proved invaluable within her own family. Recognising signs of dementia in her father, Alessia encouraged her family to seek a diagnosis, highlighting the tangible impact of her advocacy.
Alessia’s parents a few years before her dad’s diagnosis.
Alessia says that despite her extensive efforts, she still encounters misconceptions about dementia, both in her sessions and personal life, highlighting the critical need for the Dementia Friends initiative.
"We need to remind ourselves there is always a person there." The Dementia Friends initiative helps us see beyond the disease, advocating for the support and understanding that every person living with dementia deserves.”
Alessia and her dad at the theatre. Despite his dementia, he still enjoys going to the theatre which has always been one of his greatest passions.
Feeling inspired by Alessia's passion for making a difference? Become a Dementia Friend here.
