Together, we are Dementia-Friendly West Maas en Waal

Dementia causes damage to the brain. The brain controls everything we do. When something goes wrong there, it affects how we act and behave. Dementia is a general term for various brain disorders. Dementia makes it so that things that used to come naturally are no longer possible. It has a major impact on the person’s life, as well as on their loved ones.

Dementia West Maas en Waal also a major issue in West Maas en Waal . The municipality West Maas en Waal therefore actively West Maas en Waal to creating a dementia-friendly society, so that everyone living with dementia can continue to participate in society for as long as possible. In December 2024, we received the “Dementia-Friendly Municipality” certificate from Alzheimer Nederland for this effort.

What is a dementia-friendly community?

A dementia-friendly community encourages and supports residents, businesses, and organizations to actively work toward a dementia-friendly society. This creates a society in which everyone accepts dementia—from the baker and neighbor to the sports club and community police officer. In this society, people with dementia can go grocery shopping, manage their bank accounts, attend their club meetings, or visit the library just like anyone else.

How can I recognize the signs of dementia?

The symptoms of dementia vary from person to person and depending on the type of dementia. However, there are 10 signs that can help you recognize dementia, such as recurring memory problems, behavioral issues, and changes in personality. On the Alzheimer Nederland website, you can fill out a questionnaire about your memory and find a checklist that lists the most common signs of dementia and offers guidance on how to best support someone with dementia.

Help and Support

Do you or someone you know have symptoms that may indicate dementia? Do you or someone you know need help and support? If so, here’s what you can do:

Contact your family doctor

If you suspect dementia, you can visit your primary care physician. Based on their knowledge and experience, they will determine whether a diagnosis is necessary. Your primary care physician may also refer you to a specialist or a social worker, for example.

Contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal

VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal is the gateway to care and support for and from vulnerable residents of West Maas en Waal. A counselor can work with you to explore options for help and support.

Phone number 0487 790 790
Email info@vraagwijzerwmw.nl

Contact a care coordinator at Netwerk 100

A care coordinator is a designated point of contact who can provide advice and assistance and remains involved over the long term when dementia is suspected or has been diagnosed. This person understands the progression of dementia, knows how to access support services, and can help with making arrangements.

Phone number: 024 8903 908

Contact the Dementia Helpline

The Dementia Helpline is available seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. They offer a listening ear and advice on coping with dementia. You can also call the Dementia Helpline if you’d like to share your story about dementia. This service is free and anonymous.

Phone number 0800 5088

Send a message to an expert at Alzheimer Nederland

Our experts are happy to help. Visit the Alzheimer Nederland website at to select the topic that best suits your needs, and then ask your question. Under each topic, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions from others.

Help and support for family caregivers

Are you a caregiver for someone with dementia and do you have questions about it? If so, you can contact the caregiver support center in your municipality.

Online peer support through Alzheimer Nederland

Through Alzheimer Nederland, you can connect (online) with others who are directly affected by dementia—whether you have dementia yourself or are, for example, the partner or child of someone with dementia. Share advice and get things off your chest. You’re not alone. You can do this through a forum, blog, or online discussion groups.

I have dementia. What now?

Dementia changes your life. But you want to make the most of every day.

Alzheimer Nederland has created the website "I Live with Dementia" ( ) in collaboration with people living with dementia. The website is divided into sections. These sections contain information and tips on living with dementia.

What can I do to help people with dementia in the municipality of West Maas en Waal?

Do you have an initiative you’d like to launch? And do you need help? The community organizer at Sociom West Maas en Waal work with you to figure it out.

Are you an organization, association, or business that would like to become dementia-friendly but isn’t sure how? Sociom is here to help.

Please contact Joyce Fitzgerald. She is a community worker at Sociom. You can reach her at:

Phone number: 06 8997 4946
Email JoyceFitzgerald@sociom.nl

Take or organize a training course on recognizing and coping with dementia.

For more information, please visit Samen dementievriendelijk at .

They offer (free) training sessions, both online and in person. You can choose to take an online course on your own, or organize an in-person training session with a group or club.

Alzheimer Café Maas en Waal

The Alzheimer Café is a gathering place for people with dementia, volunteers, family members, professionals, and other community members. Here, they talk with one another and an expert about their experiences with dementia.

When: The first Monday of the month
Time: 7:00–9:30 p.m.
Where: Mamre (next to the Protestant Church), Kattenburg 59, 6651 AM Druten
More information: Alzheimer's Association Netherlands - Nijmegen Region

Brain Ghosts - Information about dementia written for children

On the Breinspoken website ( ), children of various ages can find more information about dementia. The information also covers what it’s like for children and what they can do. The little brain ghost explains all of this.