January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Stigma and negative attitudes towards dementia continue despite increasing awareness about it.

That from The Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts with January being Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

A Leger-led study, which questioned 1500 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65 online, found almost 50% of Canadians would not want others to know if they had dementia.

The survey also finds that 46% of respondents would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, while 61% of those surveyed said they would face discrimination of some kind.

In dealing with stigma, the Alzheimer Society is letting the experts, people living with dementia, do the talking.

“Stigma significantly impacts the wellbeing of those living with dementia making it harder for them to speak to those they love about it” says Stephanie Leclair, Executive Director with the Alzheimer Society. “When we reduce stigma, people with dementia can live better. They have value, their diagnosis doesn’t take away from their humanity”.

An awareness event is taking place locally later this month:
January 25, 2018:
Screening of the documentary MUCH TOO YOUNG at the North Bay Public Library.
Call 1-800-407-6369 to reserve tickets.

Additional survey results
Canadians believe that people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia are likely to
– be ignored or dismissed (58%);
– be taken advantage of (57%);
– have difficulty accessing appropriate services or supports (56%); and
– feared or met with distrust or suspicion (37%).

Other highlights
– 56% of Canadians are concerned about being affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
– Of greatest concern is their fear of being a burden to others, losing their independence and the inability to recognize family and friends.
– Only 39% would offer support for family or friends who were open about their diagnosis.
– Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) admit to using dementia-related jokes.

Quick facts
– Today, over half a million Canadians have dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease).
– In less than 15 years, an estimated 937,000 Canadians will have dementia
– Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide programs and support services for people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and their caregivers.
– The Alzheimer Society is a leading Canadian funder of dementia research and has invested to date, over $50 million in bio-medical and quality-of-life research through the Alzheimer Society Research Program.

To help stop stigma and read the full survey, visit ilivewithdementia.ca – and use the hashtag #ilivewithdementia to help spread the word.