A specialist training program was initially set up in 1988, before the first Admiral Nurses were appointed in 1990 at the Middlesex Hospital. This eventually resulted in the establishment of the Dementia Relief Trust in 1995, later to be renamed Dementia UK.[4]
The project was started by Ninot Levy and Jane Jason, wife and daughter of property developer Joseph Levy CBE BEM, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in the 1980s and was inspired by the specialist support given by Macmillan Nurses to those with cancer.
The name Admiral Nurse was derived from Joseph Levy's nickname of ‘Admiral Joe’ due to his love of sailing.[5]
Dementia UK is registered in England and Wales as a charity and a company limited by guarantee. It is governed by a Board of Trustees, of which the current chair is Professor David Croisdale-Appleby.[6] The current Chief Executive is Dr Hilda Hayo.[7]
Original founder Jane Joseph, now holds position of Honorary President.[8]
The Dementia Helpline is a freephone telephone number, staffed by Admiral Nurses, designed to offer advice and support to those caring for people with dementia. The phone line is open 7 days a week, including bank holidays, expect for Christmas Day.[9]
Virtual Clinic appointments lasting 45 minutes are also provided Admiral Nurses, intended to help people understand a dementia diagnosis and learn how to provide effective care and support.[10]
The Young Dementia Network was established in 2016, before being absorbed into Dementia UK, following a merger with YoungDementia UK in November 2020. It is intended to provide opportunity for knowledge share, campaigning and collaboration between professionals and those affected by young onset dementia.[11]
The Lived Experience Advisory Panel is a group of people living with dementia and their carers, who regularly meet in order to feedback into and help form policies and practices of Dementia UK, from their own personal experiences.[12]
