If a close friend told you she has dementia, would you avoid her for fear of being embarrassed by what she might say or do? This was a question posed by a recent poll by Alzheimer’s Disease International, which found 40 per cent of people with dementia reported they had been avoided or treated differently after diagnosis.
It’s no surprise, then, that one in four respondents cited stigma as a reason to conceal their diagnosis, said Kerri Sutherland, Powell River and North Shore-Sunshine Coast support and education coordinator for the non-profit Alzheimer Society of BC.
That’s why the society has chosen “See me, not my disease. Let’s talk about dementia” as the theme of the annual Alzheimer Awareness Month, which runs through January nationally.
The goal is to address myths about the disease, shift attitudes and make it easier to talk about dementia, said Sutherland. “Stereotypes and misinformation are what prevent people with dementia from getting the help they need and stop others from taking the disease seriously.”
For example, Alzheimer’s disease is more than having the occasional “senior moment” or losing keys. It is a progressive degenerative brain disorder that affects each person differently. Sadly, it is fatal and there is no cure.
“Although one in three Canadians know someone with dementia, it is not discussed as openly as other chronic illnesses, so the prevalence is there but the conversation isn’t yet and that’s what we hope to address,” explained Sutherland.
Today, 747,000 Canadians have dementia, 70,000 of whom are British Columbians. While dementia can affect people as young as 40 years of age, the risk doubles every five years after 65.
The number of Canadians with dementia is expected to double to 1.4 million in the next 20 years, including more than 177,000 British Columbians.
“By talking more openly about dementia, we can all help to increase awareness about the symptoms, encourage earlier diagnosis and provide support for families to have the confidence and skills for the journey ahead,” said Sutherland.
To help change the conversation, people can do their part if they:
• Learn the facts about dementia and help dispel inaccurate information. This will lead to a change in society’s attitudes and opinions toward people with the disease.
• Stop making jokes about Alzheimer’s which trivialize the condition. “We don’t tolerate racial jokes, yet dementia-related jokes are common,” said Sutherland.
• Maintain relationships with people with dementia at home, in the community or at work, especially as the disease progresses.
To learn more about the campaign, readers can visit the society online. For information on dementia assistance, readers can contact Sutherland at 1.604.984.8348 or [email protected].
The society provides a province-wide network of support, education and information resources for families impacted by dementia. It also advocates for better dementia health care and raises money to fund research.
