The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent (ASCK) is trying to raise awareness about the disease and the stigma associated with dementia, as they get ready to celebrate World Alzheimer's Day on Saturday.
Chatham-Kent residents are encouraged to learn as much as they can about the disease.
CK Programs Manager Krista Schneider said there are 3,500 people diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Chatham-Kent. Schneider said dementia is on the rise and affects more and more Canadians each year, yet the stigma continues.
"Currently we have I think 554,000 Canadians living with dementia and that's expected to increase to 937,000 in 15 years time. So, almost double," said Schneider.
Schneider said the local branch offers many support services to help caregivers cope with the unnecessary loneliness and anxiety associated with dementia.
"Much of those services are not only impacting the client with dementia but also their care partners to ensure that we are caring for those who are caring for their loved ones as well," she added.
Schneider said 87 per cent of caregivers wished others understood the challenges of caring for someone with dementia and ASCK works hard to give them a rest.
"Knowing that their loved ones are supported in a caring environment that is stimulating for them. We also have respite services where we have supports that go into the home," Schneider said.
According to Alzheimer Society research, one in four Canadians said they would feel embarrassed or ashamed if they had dementia, and almost half said they would not want others to know if they were diagnosed.
The ASCK said residents can help shine a light on this cause and stamp out the associated stigma by doing one or all of the following:
- Paint your social media accounts blue by changing your profile or cover photos - Collect donations from your coworkers, family and/or friends with ASCK’s blue-friendly coin boxes - Plant blue with ASCK’s Forget-Me-Not seeds by offering them to your coworkers, family and/or friends - Wear blue on Friday and snap pictures to showcase your support on social media with the hashtag #GoBlueforAlz
Residents can also raise funds through ASCK’s annual Coffee Break event on October 10 by hosting their own Coffee Break.
Visiting www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca or contact ASCK at 519-352-1043 for more information.