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World Alzheimer’s Day campaign puts a face to dementia
September 21, 2011
On Sept. 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. put a face to dementia. The Society is asking the public to challenge their stereotypes about people with Alzheimer’s disease, to really see the people impacted by this heartbreaking illness, as well as, those who are supporting a vision of a world one day without dementia.
At www.facesofdementia.ca, the public can:
- Participate in our first ever social media campaign to help us promote awareness
- Find out about current dementia research here in B.C.
- Read articles from British Columbians currently on the dementia journey
- Link to information and resources about early warning signs and local education programs and support services
- Find out how to be a part of the wave of change to turn the rising tide of dementia
The aim is to help the public understand that the disease impacts everyone and that it will take working together to turn the rising tide of dementia.
The recent World Alzheimer Report 2011 indicates there is a treatment gap, that early interventions are beneficial but that very few people are getting an early diagnosis. Without formal diagnosis, persons with dementia and their families cannot access treatments and support that they need. This means they are on the dementia journey alone.
“We can’t let that happen,” said Blake. “We know that the prevalence of dementia is increasing due to an aging population. Research brings us better treatments and closer to finding a cure. Education programs and support services provide help for today. We hope greater awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias will also encourage better brain health and early diagnosis.”
The faces of dementia are individuals who are living with the disease, they are the families and friends caring for a loved one on the journey, they are advocates who want to see improved dementia care in our province, they are researchers who are working hard to find a cure, and they are donors, leaders, and volunteers supporting a vision of a world one day without dementia.
Among the faces of dementia featured in the campaign are:
- Hélène and Terri, caregivers from Kelowna and Prince George respectively
- Jim, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 58 and is actively advocating to improve dementia care through “teachable moments”
- Michael, a world-renowned research from UBC who believes that hope for a world without dementia lies in Canadian research
In total, 11 B.C. researchers are receiving funding support through the Alzheimer Society Research Program this year. Learn more about their research.
Currently, 1 in 2 Canadians know someone with dementia. One in four Canadians has someone in their family with dementia.
Today, someone in Canada develops dementia every five minutes. In 30 years, if nothing is done, there will be one new case every two minutes.
Be a part of the wave of change. Start at www.facesofdementia.ca.
