What is Alzheimer's and how does Alezheimer's society help?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually damages memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia and mainly affects older adults, although it is not a normal part of ageing. Over time, symptoms worsen, leading to confusion, personality changes, and difficulty communicating or recognizing loved ones.

The Alzheimer's Society is a leading UK charity that supports people affected by dementia. It provides information, advice, and practical help to individuals and families, funds research to improve treatment and care, and campaigns to raise awareness and push for better support and services for those living with dementia.

Our co-founder Jess shares the story of her Nan:

"Alzheimer's is a disease very close to my heart, affecting my Nan, Greta and my family.

I was lucky enough to grow up 20 minutes away from my Nan's house, regularly popping round for tea and biscuits or a Sunday roast. She was my favourite person to watch Eastenders with on Christmas Day - a small tradition which became a core childhood memory.

Sadly a few years before she passed away she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The cruel reality of this disease quickly hit home as her personality and memory began to fade. I watched it affect not only her, but also how heavily it weighed on my Grandad, my Mum and everyone around her who loved her.

Visiting her became very emotional and as time went on, I'm not sure she recognised me as her granddaughter anymore. I'd often find myself looking for her familiar mannerisms, confused by how a disease can erase something so private and precious - our memories. I'd take comfort in anything familiar and the odd smile which would reassure me even for a short moment, that she remembered exactly who I was.

Watching someone you love slowly slip away in this way is something that never leaves you. It’s why supporting Alzheimer’s Society feels so important - not just in memory of my Nan, but for all the families going through something similar. That’s why creating our Forget Me Not Collar Flower felt so special. The forget-me-not is a symbol so closely linked to Alzheimer’s awareness, representing love, remembrance, and the hope that those we’ve lost - or are losing - are never truly forgotten. Through this piece, we wanted to create something meaningful that allows our community to be part of that message.

We’re incredibly proud to be donating £1 from every order to this amazing charity, helping to support the vital work they do for those affected by Alzheimer’s and their families. This is more than just a product for us - it’s a small way to honour the memory of those we have lost and hopefully make a difference."

'Alzheimer's may steal memories, but it can never erase the bonds of the heart' -

Shop the Cocopup Forget-me-not Collar Flower here, we're donating £1 to Alzheimer's Society for every one sold.

Charlotte, our Cocopup Senior Customer Experience Executive, shares her story.

"My Grandma has always been one of the most constant people in my life. Watching Alzheimer’s take hold over 5 years, and seeing her slowly fade away has been one of the most heartbreaking experiences.

My Grandad became her carer, devoting himself to her completely. Day by day, he showed up for her, even as the disease slowly took pieces of the life they had built together. When the time came for her to move into a care home, that love didn’t fade. He visited her every single day. No matter how hard it became, no matter how much it took from him, he was there for her. I saw the toll it took, the exhaustion, the heartbreak, the weight of loving someone who was slowly slipping away.

And yet, through all of that, what stands out most is the love. A love that never wavered, even in the hardest moments. Now that she has passed, we are at peace knowing she is no longer suffering, and we can talk together as a family about all the memories we shared with her.

Donations will help fund vital research into Alzheimer’s and provide support for families going through the same journey. It’s a way of turning our loss into something meaningful, and of helping others feel less alone in the face of this illness."

'The journey is hard, but so is the love that carries you through it'