The Dementia Detective Academy: A New Approach To Children’s Dementia Education
The Dementia Detective Academy: Why We Are Looking For Schools To Help Shape The Future Of Children’s Dementia Education
Could Children Be The Missing Piece In Dementia Education?
When most people think about dementia education, they think about healthcare professionals, family carers, support groups or care homes.
Very few people think about children.
Yet every day, thousands of children are living alongside dementia.
Some are watching a grandparent forget their name.
Some are seeing changes in behaviour they don’t understand.
Some are witnessing parents, grandparents and relatives struggling emotionally as dementia changes family life.
Many children notice everything.
They simply don’t have the language, knowledge or confidence to understand what they are seeing.
That is exactly why the Dementia Detective Academy was created.
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Why We Created The Dementia Detective Academy
After years of working as a dementia practitioner, private carer, rehabilitation companion and family support professional, I noticed something that was missing.
There were resources for healthcare professionals.
Resources for carers.
Resources for families.
But very little designed specifically for children.
Children often asked questions such as:
* “Why doesn’t Grandma remember me?”
* “Does Grandad still love me?”
* “Why is Mum crying?”
* “Why does Grandma keep asking to go home?”
* “Did I do something wrong?”
These questions are heartbreaking because they come from a place of confusion, fear and uncertainty.
The Dementia Detective Academy was created to answer those questions in a safe, engaging and age-appropriate way.
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Meet The Team
The Academy follows three special characters:
🦉 Memory Owl
The wise guide who helps children understand dementia and discover clues along the way.
🐾 Monty
A friendly detective dog who helps children learn through kindness, curiosity and adventure.
👧 Lucy
A young detective who asks the questions many children are already thinking.
Together they help children explore dementia through stories, mysteries, activities and real-life situations.
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What Is The Dementia Detective Academy?
The Dementia Detective Academy is a complete children’s dementia education programme designed for schools, families, charities, community groups and care settings.
The programme includes:
✅ 50 Detective Missions
✅ 50 Interactive Lessons
✅ 50 Educational Comics
✅ Teacher Guides
✅ Parent Guides
✅ Detective Passports
✅ Badge & Reward System
✅ Graduation Programme
✅ Intergenerational Activities
✅ School Resource Packs
✅ Facilitator Training Programme
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What Children Learn
The Academy is about far more than dementia.
Children learn:
❤️ Empathy
🗣 Communication
🤝 Respect
😊 Emotional Intelligence
🌍 Community Awareness
👨👩👧 Family Understanding
🔍 Problem Solving
📚 Storytelling
🎵 Creativity
🌳 Intergenerational Connection
Most importantly, they learn that every person living with dementia is still a person first.
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Why Schools Matter
Schools have an incredible opportunity to shape understanding from an early age.
Many children will encounter dementia during their lifetime.
Some already have.
By providing dementia education early, schools can:
* Reduce fear and stigma
* Build empathy and compassion
* Support emotional wellbeing
* Strengthen family relationships
* Promote community inclusion
* Encourage intergenerational understanding
The Academy links naturally with:
* PSHE
* Citizenship
* Personal Development
* Emotional Literacy
* English
* Art & Design
* Community Projects
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The Power Of Intergenerational Learning
One of the most exciting parts of the Academy is the opportunity to bring generations together.
Children and older adults can learn from one another through:
📖 Story Sharing
🎵 Music Projects
📸 Memory Activities
🌳 Memory Gardens
🎨 Art Projects
❤️ Community Events
These experiences often create meaningful moments that benefit everyone involved.
Children gain confidence and understanding.
Older adults gain connection, purpose and companionship.
Families gain stronger relationships.
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We Are Looking For Pilot Schools
The Dementia Detective Academy is now seeking schools interested in helping shape the future of children’s dementia education.
Pilot schools will receive access to:
✅ Academy Resources
✅ Teacher Guides
✅ Parent Resources
✅ Assembly Materials
✅ Evaluation Tools
✅ Ongoing Development Support
Most importantly, pilot schools will help create a programme that could make a real difference to future generations.
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Our Vision
Our vision is simple.
We want to create a world where children are no longer frightened or confused when dementia enters their lives.
A world where they understand.
A world where they feel confident.
A world where they know how to communicate.
A world where kindness comes before fear.
Because one day, every child may become a son, daughter, grandchild, carer, healthcare professional or community leader.
The lessons they learn today could shape the way dementia is understood tomorrow.
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Interested In Becoming A Pilot School?
We would love to hear from:
🏫 Primary Schools
🏫 Junior Schools
🏫 SEND Schools
🏫 Independent Schools
🏫 Community Schools
❤️ Charities
🏡 Care Homes
🌍 Community Organisations
Together, we can help build a generation that understands dementia with kindness, confidence and compassion.
https://thedementiacompanion.com
https://thedementiaassistant.com
Louise Donaghy
Founder, The Dementia Companion & The Dementia Assistant
🦉 Be Kind. Be Curious. Be A Detective.