January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. Everyone’s experience with dementia is unique. If you meet one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia.
Just because a person is diagnosed doesn’t mean they are no longer the same person as before.
That’s the premise of the Alzheimer Society’s continuing nationwide campaign: Yes. I live with dementia. Let me help you understand. While there is no question that dementia is a challenging disease, it’s just one aspect of a person’s life story.
Dementia is a health condition with important social implications. Its effects are wide-reaching and have a significant impact on those 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.
Research shows that stigma around dementia is rampant. In a survey commissioned by the Alzheimer Society last year, one in four Canadians said they would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, while one in five admitted to using derogatory or stigmatizing language about dementia.
While accepting a diagnosis of dementia is hard enough, it’s even harder to deal with reactions from others.
“You’re immediately labelled,” says a 59-year-old, who lives with young onset Alzheimer’s. “My wife and I didn’t sign up for this disease but when others spend so much time looking at you differently, they lose sight of the fact that we share the same life experiences as any other couple on the journey of life.”
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 10,296 people in the Region who are experiencing a progressive dementia.
“We don’t want stigma to be a barrier for people living with dementia and their families to seek support, says Teena Kindt, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region (ASNR). People with dementia have knowledge to share, people to love and feelings to express, just like everyone else.”
The Alzheimer Society’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.
ASNR offers many programs and educational opportunities across the Region. Brain Wave Cafes are offered twice a month in Niagara Falls, 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. The monthly Connections First is an introductory 2.5 hour session where you can become familiar with ASNR’s services and how they can help. There are various wellness, support and educational groups for care partners and families to participate in.
No one needs to go through this difficult journey alone. That is why it is so important to connect with the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region’s First Link Program. Simply call 905-687-3914 or visit alzheimerniagara.ca.
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. Get involved:
* Participate in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
* Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 inside Brock University - Ian Beddis Gym
* Registration at 9:30 am Walk starts at 11 am
* Collect pledges to win top prizes and a chance on a 55” 4K TV
* Health Fair in gymnasium and Brain Strategies along walk route
* Live entertainment, raffles and much more….
* Visit walkforalzheimers.ca for details and registration
* Attend a presentation by Mike Barnes, author of “Be With: Letters to a Caregiver”
Monday, Jan. 14, 2019 at 6:30 pm - Niagara Falls Library – LaMarsh Room
* Be educated – Attend a Public Forum
Finding Your Way Forum
“Living Well with Dementia”
Jan. 17, 2019, 2 -4 pm
St. Catharines Library
54 Church St. St. Catharines
“Dementia & Alzheimer’s Awareness”
Jan. 29, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Lincoln Public Library
Fleming Branch
5020 Serena Dr., Beamsville
* Caregiver Wellness Session – Mindfulness Workshop
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 – 10 am – 12 pm
Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region – 403 Ontario Street, St. Catharines
Registration is required for all sessions - Call 905-687-3914 or Visit alzheimerniagara.ca
