Dementia Support Rooted in Community.
Built on Friendship. Backed by Expertise.
Dementia touches every community – but support does not always reach everyone who needs it.
In South Asian families, dementia is often misunderstood, hidden or seen as “just getting old”, and many carers struggle alone without language or culturally sensitive support.
DOSTIA (Dementia and Older People’s Support, Training, Information and Advice) is a Community Interest Company set up by dementia specialists and community members to change this. DOSTIA means “friendships” in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu, and that is what we offer: safe, welcoming spaces where people affected by dementia and their families can find understanding, practical help and hope.
From weekly in-person support groups and creative activities to one-to-one phone or video support, training for services and opportunities to get involved in research, DOSTIA works alongside South Asian and other ethnically diverse communities so that no one is left behind.
How can we support you?
If you are worried about your memory, supporting a loved one, or a professional wanting to be more inclusive, DOSTIA is here to help you navigate dementia with dignity, cultural sensitivity and updated information. We do this by supporting:
Families affected by dementia →
Health and Social Care Services →
Research and Engagement →
Learn about dementia in Punjabi
Commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society and led by Dr Karan Jutlla and presented by Harjinder Kaur, this 10-minute video spoken in Punjabi (with English subtitles) explains what dementia is, causes, symptoms and diagnosis.
This video tells the inspiring story of DOSTIA member, Bhagwant, who explains how her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease helped her explain what dementia is to other members of the Punjabi community. Bhagwant talks about the lack of dementia awareness in her community and how it is often seen as somebody ‘going mad.’ This short video helps us understand perceptions of dementia in the Punjabi community.