A major campaign to enourage the public to learn about dementia was launched in the UK yesterday.
Campaigners want a million people to sign up as "dementia friends".
Dementia friends receive a badge and a booklet, helping them to learn how to make a difference to people with the condition, from the Alzheimer’s Society.
People who sign up are expected to watch an on-line video – or they may receive a 45-minute briefing.
As many as 21 million people in England, alone, have a close friend or family member with the problem – and 550,000 people care for somebody with dementia, experts say.
The Society is working with Public Health England on the project.
The national clinical director for dementia Professor Alistair Burns said: "NHS England welcomes this incredibly valuable campaign which will raise the awareness of dementia across the country.
"I would strongly encourage people to sign up to become a dementia friend and encourage their friends and family to sign up too. Most of us know, or know of someone with dementia and becoming a dementia friend is a positive sign of support."
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