Seeing dementia differently
Alzheimer Society of P.E.I. launches national awareness campaign
One in three people will be affected or know someone suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.
But dementia is more than just numbers.
That’s why the month of January is dedicated to raising awareness of the disease. The Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Island will join in a national social awareness campaign.
The campaign, #LiveWithDementia – Let me help you understand, to fight the stigma, is being launched this month to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see dementia differently.
In a press release, the Alzheimer Society said they conducted a survey with 1,500 Canadians between the ages of 18 to 65, and revealed:
– 46 per cent would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia
– 61 per cent believed they would face discrimination
– 58 per cent believe persons with dementia are likely to be ignored or dismissed
– One-quarter of Canadians believe that friends and family may avoid them.
The Alzheimer Society of P.E.I. continues to work hard to end this stigma.
A Society spokesman said, “2,537 Islanders are living this journey.”
Dementia and Alzheimer
expert Teepa Snow will kick off the 6th Annual Alzheimer Awareness Conference in Charlottetown on Monday, Jan. 22. Corrine Hendricken-Eldershaw, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of P.E.I., says dementia will impact our lives, but “with the right knowledge and support, people with dementia can still get a lot out of life.”
This year the Alzheimer Society invite caregivers Brenda Ramsey and Cathy MacKinnon share their stories and give advice on how others can accept those with the disease.
For more information or to register for the different events, contact the society at 902-6282257 or email society@alzpei.ca.