What is a Non-Visible Disability?
Non-visible disability also known as a hidden, unknown, or invisible disability does not always have physical signs. They may include, but are not limited to:
learning difficulties
mental health
mobility
speech
visual impairment
hearing impairment
Dementia is a Hidden Disability
Dementia describes a set of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, learning capacity, language, judgement, and behaviour.
The most common types of dementia are:
Alzheimer's disease
Vascular dementia
Dementia with Lewi Bodies
Frontotemporal dementia
Dementia is a very complex condition with distinct symptoms, therefore everyone's experience is different and unique.
Common symptoms in the early stages:
difficulty concentrating
finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over simple daily activities.
struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
being confused about time and place
mood changes
Dementia is progressive and affects everyone differently, the progression of the disease can vary from one individual to another.
Products Designed for People Living with Dementia
About Story & Sons
"Story and sons brings together the best range of products for elderly and disabled people, for people living with visual impairment, dementia, memory loss, mobility issues and arthritis among many, many other conditions. We combine this with exemplary customer service always and to everyone and we keep caring at the forefront of everything that we do."
You can shop at: https://storyandsons.com/collections/memory-loss
People with dementia face stigma and a lack of understanding
There is often a lack of understanding and awareness of dementia, resulting in stigmatisation and barriers towards care and diagnosis.
The stigma around dementia exists, in part, due to the lack of public awareness and understanding of the disease.
Being mindful of what we do and say to everyone can avoid people with non-visible disease feeling stigmatised.
How should we act towards people with a non-visible disability
People living with hidden disabilities would like to be treated as individuals and with respect just like people with visible disability and the general population.
Nobody has to inform and talk or explain about their disability, people can choose to keep this private. A person should not have to make their hidden disability visible in order to get support.
Being inclusive and mindful of people with invisible disabilities will benefit everyone whether you know they have one or not.
Sunflower lanyards
Sunflower lanyards have become a popular way for organisations and individuals to spot someone with a non-visible disability. For more information visit:
Everyone is entitled to choose whether to disclose their disability or not.
According to Alzheimer's Society, some people with dementia find the lanyards useful and find the scheme helpful. It is also the person's choice if they would like to reveal their diagnosis and to who to.
Raising awareness
Everyday tasks can be difficult for people living with a non-visible disability, include travel, work, shopping, or socialising.
Is it very important not to judge someone based on whether their disability is visible or not as well as to be more patient and empathetic with everyone around us.
We can provide a better support for people with non-visible disability if we understand their needs, struggles and worries.
For more information and support you can visit:
Dementia Friends initiative helps individuals and organisations to learn more about dementia and take action to support those affected by dementia in their community.