Dementia does not discriminate
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month and we want to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see dementia differently.
“I live with dementia. Let me help you understand” is the tag line for this year’s awareness campaign. People living with dementia are coming forward and telling their personal stories in order to reduce the stigma.
Dementia is a health condition with important social implications. Its effects are wide-reaching and have a significant impact on people living with the condition, their families and care partners. These can include the loss of independence, stigma and discrimination, as well as social isolation for those affected.
A current survey, which questioned 1,500 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65 online, revealed that 46 per cent of respondents would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, while 61 per cent of those surveyed said they would face discrimination of some kind. The survey also shows that one in four Canadians believe that their friends and family would avoid them if they were diagnosed with dementia, and only five per cent of Canadians would learn more about dementia if a family member, friend or co-worker were diagnosed.
We don’t want stigma to be a barrier for people living with dementia and their families to seek support. Dementia doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone. It’s one of the fastest-growing diseases of our time, but still has no cure or effective treatments.
Currently, there are 564,000 Canadians living with a dementia, which will increase 66 per cent to 937,000 by 2031. We have a unique challenge in Niagara, due to the fact that we have one of the highest percentages of seniors per capita in Canada and we lack the available geriatric resources compared to other communities. Currently, there are more than 10,077 people in the region who are experiencing a progressive dementia.
Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region’s mission is to advocate with and for people with dementia and their care partners, and provide access to a diverse range of appropriate resources and supports. By providing education, personalized in-home support services and wellness programs, families can better understand dementia, navigate the health system and access the resources they need when they need them.
Social isolation has been linked to increased depression and declining mental and physical health. Positive attitudes and engagement of people living with dementia in activities that build on their strengths will foster their self-worth, maintain their identity and prolong their independence.
The Niagara society offers many programs and educational opportunities across the region. Brain Wave Cafes are offered twice a month in Niagara Falls, Thorold, Grimsby, St. Catharines, Ridgeway and Welland. They provide an informal setting for individuals concerned about cognitive changes to learn about brain health and dementia, meet and socialize with others and become familiar with community resources.
Our monthly Connections First is an introductory 2.5-hour session where you can become familiar with our services and how we can help. Minds In Motion is a physical activity and brain simulation program that runs for two hours a week for an eight-week session at the YMCA in both St. Catharines and Welland. Caregiver support groups and educational sessions are also offered monthly.
Research has shown that people caring for someone with dementia provide 75 per cent more care hours than other disease caregivers and experience nearly 20 per cent greater stress. But no one needs to go through this difficult journey alone. That is why it is so important to connect with Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region’s First Link Program. Simply call 905-6873914 or visit alzheimerniagara.ca. —