Alzheimer's Society of P.E.I. tackles negative attitudes about dementia

A national survey about Canadian's attitudes towardAlzheimer's and dementiashows awareness is up, but negative attitudes still persist around the diseases.

In November, the Alzheimer's Society of Canada surveyedabout 1500 people who don't have Alzheimer's or dementia, askingtheir thoughts about the disease. Almost half said they would feel embarrassed if they had dementia.

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Corrine Hendricken-Eldershaw, CEO of the Alzheimer's Society of P.E.I., spoke about the survey withIsland Morning and highlighted four main points:

• 46 per cent of those surveyedwould feel ashamed or embarrassed to have dementia
• 25 per centfeel friends and family would avoid them if they had dementia
• 58 per centbelieve people with dementia are likely ignored, dismissed or taken advantage of
• 56 per centare concerned about being affected by Alzheimer's disease

SaraMacLean, dementia education coordinatorwith the society, says shehopesto reduce the stigma around Alzheimer's and dementiaby increasing public understanding about the disease.

It does create barriers and there are some stereotypes that are out there. CorrineHendricken-Eldershaw

There are a number of common misconceptions around the disease, she said, one of the largest being that people believe"life is essentially over" once they are diagnosed.

"We know that that's not true, that there are many people that are still able to do meaningful things and contribute to their society," MacLean said.

"Sometimes they require a little more encouragement."

'We really need to move into sparking a conversation'

MacLean said family members play an important role in helping those with the illness, by being accommodating and remembering that the family member is"still the same person" they always were.

Hendricken-Eldershaw said misconceptionsand stereotypesoften create a barrier between those living with Alzheimer's and those who don't.

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"It does create barriers and there are some stereotypes that are out there," she said.

"If we had a disease of any other organ, or we had a diagnosis of anything that was a terminal illness like Alzheimer's is, we would want to find out more information. We would want to do something about it."

"We really need to move into sparking a conversation. Let's see dementia differently."

Hendricken-Eldershaw sees the National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias Actas a positive sign. The actpassed in mid-2017.

"It's really, really exciting for us. We know there's going to be a large lens on awareness," she added.

Some of that awareness includes brain health, caregiver support, social stigma and healthcare professional training, she said.

"We've had a lot of research and documents and papers, and that's all really lovely;now we want the action and the traction on the ground."

In continuing to spread awareness and knowledge about the illness,the Alzheimer's Society of P.E.I. will host itssixthannual Alzheimer's Awareness Conference in Charlottetown onJan. 22-23.

It will feature an education session as well as caregiver training and more.

For more information on the conference, visit the society's website.

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