Alzheimer’s Society launches awareness campaign against stigma

Almost 50 per cent of Canadians would not want anyone to know if they had dementia.

The Leger survey questioned 1500 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65. It aimed at determining the level of awareness and stigma around Alzheimer’s amongst Canadians. The survey finds that while awareness about dementia has increased, stigma and negative attitudes surrounding the disease continue to persist.

The Alzheimer Society of Cornwall and District has launched a new social awareness campaign – I live with dementia. Let me help you understand. The campaign intends to spark conversation about the disease and encourage Canadians to see dementia and those who suffer from it in a new light. This campaign coincides with the survey findings and Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in January.

The Leger survey showed that 46 per cent of Canadians said they would feel ashamed if they had dementia and 61 per cent said they feel they would face discrimination of some sort. The survey also showed that one in four Canadians believe they would be avoided by friends and/or family if they were to be diagnosed.

The Alzheimer Society’s campaign lets the experts – the people living with dementia – do the talking. Many people living with the disease have shared their stories and have given pointers on how to be more open and accepting towards those suffering. Their stories are featured on the campaign website, www.ilivewithdementia.ca, where visitors will also find tips on how to be more dementia-friendly, activities to test their knowledge, and other resources to take ac- Près de 50 % des Canadiens interrogés ne voudraient pas que personne sache qu’ils sont atteints de la maladie d’Alzheimer. Le sondage Léger a interrogé 1500 Canadiens, âgés de 18 à 65 ans. Il visait à déterminer le niveau de sensibilisation et la stigmatisation entourant la maladie d’Alzheimer chez les Canadiens. Le sondage révèle que même si la sensibilisation à la maladie a augmenté, la stigmatisation et les attitudes négatives entourant la maladie persistent. La Société Alzheimer de Cornwall et de district a lancé une nouvelle campagne de sensibilisation sociale – Oui, je vis avec l’Alzheimer. Laissez-moi vous aider à comprendre. Ici on peut reconnaître quelqu’un participant à la campagne en partageant son histoire avec la maladie.

tion against stigma.

“Each of these individuals shares with us the impact of living with dementia,” commented

Shelley Vaillancourt, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall and District. “From the time of diagnosis,

they reveal the stigma that they face and they give tips that we can all use to focus on their abilities rather than on their challenges.”