Broadcaster Angela Rippon Champions Care UK’s Dementia Awareness Campaign
CARER editor Peter Adams recently had the privilege of speaking with Angela Rippon, the celebrated broadcaster and ambassador for Care UK’s campaign, The Big Dementia Conversation, alongside Suzanne Mumford, Care UK’s Head of Dementia and Lifestyle.
Together, they shared insights into the campaign and discussed the personal and societal impact of dementia, a condition affecting millions in the UK.
Angela Rippon’s involvement in the campaign is deeply personal and she has long been a prominent advocate for dementia awareness, drawing deeply from her personal experiences.
Her mother, Edna, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2004, a journey that profoundly influenced Ms Rippon’s commitment to the cause. Reflecting on her journey, she said: “When my late mother, Edna, was diagnosed with dementia in 2004, I knew virtually nothing about the disease, and there was little information available. The learning curve was steep as I sought to understand its progression, how it would affect her, and how I could best support her.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to having conversations about dementia—the very essence of what Care UK aims to achieve through this campaign”.
Ms Rippon has used her platform and experience to raise awareness, speaking at conventions, in newspapers, and through documentaries, but she emphasized that her most meaningful conversations have often been with friends and family:
“Many people have come to me with the same questions I had when my mother was first diagnosed” she said.
Advocating for early diagnosis, Ms Rippon added that it “sets the foundation for effective care”, advising, “If you are worried about a loved one, you need to have that conversation, and if you can get them early diagnosis this sets you on the path of understanding how you can help that person live well with dementia.”
Understanding Dementia’s Emotional Impact
Ms Rippon highlighted the importance of recognizing dementia symptoms beyond memory loss and responding with empathy: “Those living with dementia often experience emotional changes, such as sudden outbursts or fear of leaving home, my mother became very agoraphobic, and I remind carers that their loved ones are navigating a different reality. If they ask the same question repeatedly or seem angry, it’s the dementia speaking, not the person they once were. Accepting this can help carers respond with patience and compassion.”
Her advice is simple yet profound: “Don’t ignore the signs. Start the conversation early. A diagnosis opens the door to understanding how to help those with dementia live well. The more we talk, the more we learn, and the more we can support those affected.”
This point led was particularly poignant to editor Peter, reflecting on his own mother’s dementia diagnosis in the 1980s he said: “I am reminded of just how far awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia have come.
Back then, these conditions were virtually unknown. There was little to no guidance, and families were left to navigate the heartache and challenges on their own.”
“When my once-strong, fiercely independent mother started showing signs of the disease—forgetting names, struggling with basic tasks, and becoming increasingly withdrawn—I refused to accept the reality. Denial became my defence mechanism. I clung to the forlorn hope that her condition was just a temporary setback, that somehow, it would improve. But, as I painfully learned, it did not.”
“Looking back, my refusal to accept her diagnosis only added to the heartache. It delayed the support and interventions that could have made her journey, and ours as a family, more bearable. My inability to face the truth was a lesson in the importance of early diagnosis—a step that sets the foundation for understanding, planning, and ultimately providing the best care possible.”
Ms Rippon added that this is not uncommon, which is why an early conversation is so important. Early detection allows for improved symptom management through medications and lifestyle changes that can help slow the progression of dementia. Addressing dementia in its early stages allows families to approach the condition with a sense of control and preparedness, improving both the outcomes and overall quality of life.
Ms Rippon has also called for systemic changes in dementia care. In November 2024, she supported Alzheimer’s Society’s initiative to make dementia training mandatory for social care workers in England. She stated, “We wouldn’t expect a midwife to deliver a baby without any training, but we expect care staff to provide high-quality care for people with dementia without the appropriate training.
Breaking Down Stigma
Suzanne Mumford echoed both Ms Rippon’s and Peter’s sentiments, noting the persistent stigma surrounding dementia: “ While awareness of dementia has improved, many people still struggle to confidently differentiate between signs of old age and dementia. Fear and denial often prevent families from addressing their concerns. Changes in daily habits or concentration might be due to an infection or hearing loss, but they could also signal dementia. Early diagnosis allows access to treatments and support, which can significantly improve quality of life.”
Ms Mumford emphasized that The Big Dementia Conversation aims to guide families in having these essential discussions, sharing experiences, and finding appropriate support: “This campaign helps people feel less isolated, providing a platform to explore their feelings and connect with others who have faced similar challenges. It’s about breaking barriers and making sure no one feels alone in this journey.”
The Importance of Care Environments
The conversation also turned to the importance of creating dementia-friendly environments in care settings. Ms Mumford explained: “We strive to keep individuals in their homes as long as possible, but when they move into care, the environment must feel safe, familiar, and welcoming. Simple elements like clear signage, natural lighting, and quiet spaces can make a world of difference. Every individual’s needs are unique, so it’s essential to tailor their care accordingly.”
Ms Rippon shared examples of innovative design approaches being researched in universities like Edinburgh and Newcastle: “Architects and designers are exploring how the physical environment can support dementia care. For instance, avoiding dark carpets that might be mistaken for water or removing mirrors that could confuse or frighten someone are small but impactful changes. Even consistent flooring can prevent misinterpretations of steps.”
Ms Mumford stressed that clinical settings, such as hospitals, often lack these considerations: “Dementia patients can find hospitals overwhelming due to the noise and lack of privacy. Their brains process information more slowly, so creating a calm, familiar space is vital for their comfort and safety.”
As The Big Dementia Conversation gains momentum, both Ms Rippon and Ms Mumford urge families, carers, and communities to embrace open discussions about dementia.
By fostering understanding and breaking down stigma, they hope to create a more supportive and compassionate environment for those living with this challenging condition.