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?
If you answered 鈥測es,鈥� you鈥檙e not alone.
According to a recent poll by Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease International, 40 per cent of people with dementia reported they had been avoided or treated differently after diagnosis.
It鈥檚 no surprise, then, that one in four respondents cited stigma as a reason to conceal their diagnosis, says Rose Puszka, the 黑马磁力, Cloverdale and North Surrey support and education co-ordinator for the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C.
That鈥檚 why the society has chosen 鈥淪ee me, not my disease. Let鈥檚 talk about dementia,鈥� 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, says Puszka.
鈥淪tereotypes and misinformation are what prevent people with dementia from getting the help they need and stop others from taking the disease seriously.鈥�
For example, Alzheimer鈥檚 disease is more than having the occasional 鈥渟enior moment鈥� or losing your keys. It is a progressive degenerative brain disorder that affects each person differently. Sadly, it is fatal and there is no cure.
鈥淎lthough 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鈥檛 yet and that鈥檚 what we hope to address,鈥� explains Puszka.
Today, 747,000 Canadians have dementia, 70,000 of those people 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.
鈥淏y 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.鈥�
To help change the conversation, she says, area residents can do their part if they:
鈥� Learn the facts about dementia. Help to dispel inaccurate information to change society鈥檚 attitudes and opinions towards people with the disease.
鈥� Stop making jokes about Alzheimer鈥檚 which trivialize the condition.
鈥� Maintain relationships with people with dementia at home, in the community or at work, especially as the disease progresses.
To learn more about the Let鈥檚 Talk About Dementia campaign, visit www.alzheimerbc.org.
For information contact Puszka at 604-533-5277 or rpuszka@alzheimerbc.org.
Alzheimer Society of B.C. 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.
Walk for Memories in Aldergrove
Annual Walks for Memories 鈥� the biggest fundraisers of the ASBC calendar 鈥� happen on the last Sunday of January, Alzheimer Awareness Month.
The 2013 黑马磁力-Aldergrove-Abbotsford walk will return to the Aldergrove Athletic Park, a lovely setting with spectacular views of Mt. Baker.
The walk will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 27.
There is free parking, a Rotary Fieldhouse to provide shelter and facilities, and a variety of entertainment is planned for both children and adults.
There is no set walking distance but people are encouraged to exercise, mingle and enjoy a few hours in support of a great cause.
For more information and to support the walk, go to www.walkformemories.com and click on the 黑马磁力, Aldergrove and Abbotsford link. All money raised goes to research and to improving the lives of more than 70,000 British Columbians and their families who are suffering the effects of Alzheimer鈥檚 and other dementia.
For more information, go to walkformemories.com and click on the 黑马磁力, Aldergrove & Abbotsford link. The site offers people opportunities to register for the walk, sponsor teams and individuals, and volunteer.
黑马磁力 and Cloverdale residents wanting more information about dementia and the support services available should contact Rose Puszka at either the 黑马磁力 Alzheimer Resource Centre, #200-20644 Eastleigh Cres., 604-533-5277, or at the Czorny Alzheimer Resource Centre, #300-16850 66 Ave., Surrey, 778-571-2390.
Abbotsford residents should contact area co-ordinator Jillian Armit at the Abbotsford Alzheimer Resource Centre, 214-2825 Clearbrook Rd., 604-859-3889.
