Almost 50% of Canadians would not want others to know if they had dementia, says new survey

 

Alzheimer Society campaign aims to end stigma

TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society announced today that while awareness about dementia has increased, stigma and negative attitudes around it continue to persist. The Society is releasing findings of a new survey to coincide with Alzheimer's Awareness Month in January and to kick off its new social awareness campaign – I live with dementia. Let me help you understand ­– to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see dementia differently.

Almost 50% of Canadians would not want others to know if they had dementia, says new survey (CNW Group/Alzheimer Society of Canada)

The Leger-led survey, which questioned 1500 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65 online, also reveals that 46% of respondents would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, while 61% of those surveyed said they would face discrimination of some kind. The survey also shows that one in four Canadians believe that their friends and family would avoid them if they were diagnosed with dementia, and only five per cent of Canadians would learn more about dementia if a family member, friend or co-worker were diagnosed.

"These results validate our thinking, that stigma is one of the biggest barriers for people with dementia to live fully with dignity and respect," says Pauline Tardif, CEO at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "The findings underscore the work we must still do to end stigma once and for all. There is no shame in having dementia. We can't let negative perceptions stand in the way of people with dementia seeking help and support. Life without discrimination is a right for anyone affected by this disease."

To tackle stigma, the Alzheimer Society is letting the experts do the talking—people living with dementia. People like Roger Marple. For this proud father and grandfather, who developed young onset Alzheimer's three years ago at age 57, his diagnosis was a tough pill to swallow. But with time, Roger overcame his initial shock and sadness. He had too many dreams to pursue. "I still do things that have meaning in my life, like getting out, playing golf and travelling. I'll continue to enjoy life for as long as I possibly can to the best of my abilities. Isn't that what we all aspire to do?"

Roger and others invite Canadians to hear their inspiring stories and take a few pointers from them on how to be open and accepting towards people with dementia.

Their stories are featured on a dedicated campaign website, where visitors will also 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 every single one of us.

To help stop stigma and read the full survey, visit ilivewithdementia.ca – and use the hashtag #ilivewithdementia to help spread the word.

Additional survey results
Canadians believe that people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia are likely to

  • be ignored or dismissed (58%);
  • be taken advantage of (57%);
  • have difficulty accessing appropriate services or supports (56%); and
  • feared or met with distrust or suspicion (37%).

Other highlights

  • 56% of Canadians are concerned about being affected by Alzheimer's disease.
  • Of greatest concern is their fear of being a burden to others, losing their independence and the inability to recognize family and friends.
  • Only 39% would offer support for family or friends who were open about their diagnosis.
  • Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) admit to using dementia-related jokes.

Quick facts

  • Today, over half a million Canadians have dementia (including Alzheimer's disease).
  • In less than 15 years, an estimated 937,000 Canadians will have dementia
  • Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide programs and support services for people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and their caregivers.
  • The Alzheimer Society is a leading Canadian funder of dementia research and has invested to date, over $50 million in bio-medical and quality-of-life research through the Alzheimer Society Research Program.

SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Canada

Alzheimer Society Research Program provides $3.4 million boost to dementia research

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) is pleased to announce it has awarded $3.4 million to Canadian researchers through this year's research competition to help create a brighter future for Canadians who are impacted by or at risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

This year's awards and grants support 24 applicants from across the country who are working towards finding new prevention and treatment strategies, enhancing patient care, and finding a cure.

Recipients include:

Jennifer Walker, First Nations University of Canada: Jennifer is collaborating with local researchers to study the increasing rate of dementia among First Nations in Saskatchewan. Her work will help inform and improve dementia care services in Indigenous communities.

Heather Cooke, University of British Columbia: Heather seeks to better understand how incivility and bullying among long-term care workers influences dementia care. The results will help improve staffing practices and policies and enhance the quality of life for both residents and staff.

Jannic Boehm, Université de Montréal: Jannic's goal is to develop a "peptide" that will penetrate the blood-brain barrier and access neurons in the brain. If successful, this tool could be used to help maintain and promote brain function in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Matthew Parsons, Memorial University, St. John's: Matthew's research will investigate when and where toxic proteins in the brain, the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, begin to impair brain cells and disrupt the formation of memories. He hopes these findings will ultimately lead to new treatments.

"Research funding is critical for advancing scientific discoveries and producing breakthroughs that enable people with dementia to live well and bring us closer to a cure," says Nalini Sen, Program Director. "We're proud of our Program and to be able to provide opportunities to many of Canada's bright and talented minds."

The Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) is a national leader in dementia research aimed at supporting and developing capacity in the areas of biomedical, clinical and health services research. Funding applications undergo an extensive peer-review process led by respected researchers as well as people with lived experience of dementia. The ASRP is a collaborative initiative of Alzheimer Societies across Canada, key partners and generous individual and corporate donors. Since its inception 30 years ago, the Program has invested $53 million in dementia research.

For an inside look at the ASRP and to hear directly from some of our researchers about their discoveries, watch our video at https://youtu.be/rqfQnFHOZk8. More information is also available at www.alzheimer.ca/research.

SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Canada

World Stroke Day reminds us all that stroke is treatable

March of Dimes Canada celebrates global campaign on October 29

Anna Bauer-Ross was 36 when she had her stroke. She was on vacation in the Bahamas with her young kids, unaware of how her life was about to change.

"I had to relearn the basics because the stroke had caused a severe left side neuropathy and even damaged my vocal chords," Bauer-Ross says. "My days of being a busy mom, carpooling, and taking my children to their sporting events were over. I was learning how to conquer the most elementary tasks:  walking, writing, even seeing."

The most surprising thing is that Anna is not alone - stroke can and does strike people of all ages. It's a devastating diagnosis, of course, but there's good news too: stroke is treatable!

That's the theme of this year's World Stroke Day (October 29th). Like March of Dimes Canada's Stroke Recovery Program, the World Stroke campaign focuses on rehabilitation and recovery, and the fact that stroke survivors can return to engaged, fulfilling lives.

"What happens after a stroke is extremely important," says Andria Spindel, President and CEO of March of Dimes Canada. "March of Dimes Canada focuses on helping the individual move past the stroke, find meaning and support, develop re-integration and independence skills, build new or renew social relationships, access recreation, health education and more.  Stroke Recovery groups assist in rebuilding lives."

Today, Bauer-Ross is doing well, but she describes recovery as a long-term process.

"Recovery never ends. It's a journey. The key has been to understand the importance of medication maintenance, staying active with the help of my family, and doing all that I can to stay on course with my recovery."

March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization providing support services to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers across Canada. Our goal is to enhance the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities every day through a wide range of programs and services across Canada.  For more information, please visit www.marchofdimes.ca or call 1-800-263-3463.

SOURCE March of Dimes Canada

Did you know multiple sites are reporting that manny Pacquiao doctors are concerned he may be showing the early signs of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. We hope not. Do you think there's a link to head injuries and these diseases?

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