The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is on a mission to make our communities more dementia friendly by increasing awareness and reducing stigma.
January is marked Alzheimer's Awareness Month - a national initiative by the Alzheimer Society of Canada to better inform and educate Canadians about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
As part of that effort, Alzheimer Societies across Canada are continuing a social awareness campaign profiling individual stories from Canadians affected by dementia.
The campaign, “I live with dementia...Let me help you understand” is about changing the attitudes and understanding of Canadians about dementia and the people affected by it.
The Alzheimer Society says, “the hallmark of the campaign is Canadians affected by dementia telling their own stories.”
The stories and many more are featured on a dedicated website, www.ilivewithdementia.ca where visitors will find tips on how to be more dementia-friendly, activities to test their knowledge, and other resources to take action against stigma and be better informed about a disease that has the potential to impact everyone.
The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is bringing this awareness across the province and imploring others to join in making Saskatchewan communities more dementia friendly. Leslie Quennell, communications & marketing manager at the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, says even though January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, awareness is spread throughout the year through their educational programs and initiatives.
“January is our national awareness month, but we bring awareness throughout the year through our programs. Our campaign this year is called, 'I live with dementia...Let me help you understand.' Across the country, we are profiling people who have a lived experience with dementia and getting their voice and lived experience out — basically sharing their stories,” noted Quennell. “Our website www.ilivewithdementia.ca tell those important stories. Someone from Saskatchewan is also featured in that campaign where they get to tell their story about living with dementia.”
He noted that it was important that those stories were brought to light by people directly impacted.
“From our perspective, it is really important that those people who are directly impacted have a voice and are able to articulate the issues and what the challenges are for them. It is very much about reducing stigma; trying to get people to have a better understanding about dementia and how to engage in a meaningful way for those affected as well as make our communities more dementia friendly.” He added that, “Awareness, reducing stigma and making the province more dementia friendly however are not only done in January. We do that right throughout the year. We aim to increase understanding for all Canadians on what dementia is and how it impacts individuals, families and communities.”
There are some events happening this month, throughout the province that the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan says people can be part of. One of such events will be an “Evening of Education Understanding Dementia' via Telehealth. It will be held on Tuesday, January 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. At the event, you will learn about Alzheimer’s and related dementias, the warning signs, getting a diagnosis, risk factors and ways to keep your brain healthy. You will also explore programs and services available to help you throughout the disease. The evening will be presented by Dr. Marla Davidson, Geriatric Psychiatrist.
“One of the events that we have this month that locals in Moose Jaw can also be part of is our Evening of Education. This is available through Telehealth. There will be a Telehealth center opened in Moose Jaw once those interested are registered. It is free of cost. However, people have to register in order for us to set up a Telehealth center. So, we’re encouraging people to register so that they can access this important event,” Quennell said.
You can register for Telehealth at 1-800-263-3367.
Quennell also outlined other ways in which people can get involved.
“The 'I live with dementia...Let me help you understand' campaign is really to help people to become better informed and increase understanding. One of the key things that people can do is to become a dementia friend. They can do this by visiting www.dementiafriendlysaskatchewan.ca. By becoming a friend, you make a commitment to learn more about dementia and become more engaged,” Quennell emphasized.
If you have questions or concerns or just want to learn more about dementia and the resources the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan has to offer, call 1-800-263-3367 or visit https://alzheimer.ca/en/sk.
