Sport England the Alzheimer's Society have teamed up to produce a new guide to help the sport and physical activity sector to support and empower people who are living with dementia to lead active lives and remain independent for as long as possible.

Dementia is one of the greatest challenges facing society today - there are 850,000 people living with the condition in the UK.

The new guide shares good practice and creative ideas from across the sector, and aims to inform and educate individuals and organisations so they have a better understanding of dementia and how it affects people.

It also provides tools and guidance so that the sector can help more people affected by dementia lead more active lives. It highlights the many ways that organisations can better support people affected by dementia, so that they can participate in their local community.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive officer at Alzheimer's Society, said the guide would help make taking part in sport or physical activity less daunting.

"Dementia can devastate lives and it is vital that people with dementia are enabled and empowered to live the life they want in their community," he said.

"Visiting a gym, sports centre or favourite leisure facility to take part in physical activity can be daunting for people with dementia, loved ones and friends – but with support and adjustments from sport and physical activity providers, they will remain active."

Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of Sport England, said the document would go some way to building a dementia-friendly society and help more people get active.

"We want to transform the way the sport and physical activity sector thinks, acts and talks about dementia – with every leisure centre, community hall and sports club equipped with the resources to meet the needs of those living with the condition," he said.

"Whether it's a leisure facility management team, reception desk staff, an exercise professional leading a class, community coaches, or volunteers, we need them to make the small changes needed to support people affected by dementia to get active and keep active.

"Defeating dementia won't happen overnight, but until that day, we must all pull together to create a dementia-friendly society and that is why I'm proud to support this guide and commend the sport and physical activity sector for uniting against dementia."

Download this guide for free at www.alzheimers.org.uk/sport