January is alzheimer's awareness month

As of 2016: An estimated 564,000 Canadians are living with dementia. By 2031, this figure is expected to rise to 937,000, an increase of 66 per cent.1 The combined health-care system and out-of-pocket costs of dementia is estimated at $10.4 billion. By 2031, this figure is expected to increase by 60 per cent, to $16.6 billion.1
Footnotes: 1. Prevalence and Monetary Costs of Dementia in Canada, a report by the Alzheimer Society of Canada (2016)

Dementia is a term that generally refers to a variety of brain disorders. Different physical changes to the brain cause different dementias. Some are reversible, meaning that they can be treated and cured, while others are irreversible, meaning there is no cure. Symptoms worsen over time and include: loss of memory, changes in judgment and reasoning, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language and changes in mood and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and eventually fatal. Other dementias include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia (including Pick’s disease), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Lewy body dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but age is the biggest risk factor.

Stigma is one of the biggest barriers for people with dementia to live fully with dignity and respect. That's why The Alzheimer Society is excited to kick off the second year of their awareness campaign--Yes. I live with dementia. Let me help you understand—to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see dementia differently.

Once again this year, the experts are doing the talking: people with lived experience. Their vibrant ambassadors are openly and honestly sharing their stories to show Canadians a pathway to understanding. After all, who better to educate the public than those who face stigma every day?
By highlighting the humanity that is part of every single person living with dementia, the awareness campaign seeks to convert judgement into compassion and assumptions into understanding.
It's time to see dementia differently.

Check out ilivewithdementia.ca for useful information and resources to help you learn more and take action to end dementia stigma.

If you are concerned about a family member, loved one or friend experiencing signs of Alzheimer's-give us a call to see how we can help.  

​Photo by Huy Phan on Unsplash