By telling our stories, The Alzheimer Society looks to shake the stigma of dementia

The Alzheimer's Society is looking to those who live on the North Coast to join in a cross Canada campaign to raise awareness when it comes to living with dementia.

Towards their work the national organization is seeking out your stories as part of their program to tackle the ongoing level of mis-understanding and at times discrimination that they face.

The project which was re-launched for 2020 on Monday is called I live with dementia. Let me help you understand, was created as part of the awareness program that is underway this month which is Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

The genesis of the campaign to tell the story of dementia came from research which indicated that one in four Canadians would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, with the goal of the story telling project that to give voice to the assumptions and misinformation that can be found from the disease.

“Unless you have experienced it firsthand, it can be difficult to appreciate the damage stigma can do to individuals and families facing dementia. Too often, negative feelings, attitudes and stereotypes surrounding dementia dissuade people from seeking help and discourage others from lending their support. By providing a platform for Canadians to share their stories, we can cultivate empathy and compassion and help break down the stigma so that Canadians living with dementia can live a full life.” -- Laurie DeCroos, Support and Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s North Interior, Skeena and Peace Region 

Since the project was first launched in 2018 over 65 Canadians with dementia, including their caregivers, have become spokespeople and advocates as they tell of their daily challenges and successes.

It's been estimated that more than half a million Canadians are living with dementia today, with many more family members providing for direct care or otherwise impacted by the disease, over the next 12 years it's expected that up to 1 million Canadians will be living with the disease.

“The number of Canadians living with dementia is soaring. So this is an extremely important campaign to pause and think about our attitudes and perceptions and build a more accepting and inclusive society for individuals and families living with dementia in Prince Rupert and everywhere else in the North Interior, Skeena and Peace region.” -- Laurie DeCroos

The volume of stories collected to this point can be reviewed here.

For More information related to the supports available for those with dementia or family members that are caring for them, see the Alzheimer's Canada website.

You can also access more information from Alzheimer Canada's Facebook page and twitter feed.

In Northern BC you can contact the Alzheimer's Society at  1-866-564-7533 to learn more about options in the Northwest.

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