Alzheimer Society campaign aims to end stigma, promote living well with dementia
January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month and to commemorate this, the Alzheimer Society of P.E.I. is teaming up with colleagues across the country to continue a three-year national campaign, #ILiveWithDementia - Let me help you understand.
The campaign showcases the unique and diverse stories of individuals from across the country living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
This year, the Alzheimer Society is letting the experts do the talking—people living with dementia and their care partners.
Sharing the stories of Islanders living with dementia will ignite a more open, supportive and inclusive dialogue around dementia, and give confidence to others who live with dementia to live well with the disease.
The aim of the campaign is to change attitudes about the disease and erase the stigma. Life continues after a diagnosis of dementia.
Dr. Martha Carmichael, a family care partner and provincial geriatrician, remains optimistic about changing beliefs and attitudes surrounding dementia.
“My mother’s early diagnosis allowed us to be connected with the supports we needed, including treatment, education and connection to the Alzheimer Society’s First Link program.”
There are things that can be done to tackle stigma.
Dementia-Friendly Communities focuses on stigma reduction and the inclusion of people with dementia.
The public is educated about dementia, and within this education, they learn that a person with dementia may sometimes experience the world differently but they have many capabilities.
In a dementia-friendly community, people living with dementia feel supported by their community members whether they are at the post office, in a retail store, using transportation, or enjoying hobbies in the community.
For additional resources, contact the society at 902-628-2257 or email society@alzpei.ca.