Photo: Facebook / Alzheimer's Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories

By Shane Clausing

Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Dismissing stigmas a big part of Alzheimer’s Awareness month

Jan 13, 2020 | 5:00 AM

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

The purpose of the month is to help bring awareness to the disease, and the people that have to battle alzheimer’s and dementia on a daily basis.

The campaign also gives a voice to Canadians with dementia who are frustrated by the assumptions and misinformation associated with the disease.

Jennifer Simms with the Alzhiemer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories says it is a national campaign in which societies across the country unite to put an end to dementia stigmas.

“Therefore, everyone in our communities can feel comfortable talking about Dementia and talking about their own experiences.”

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Over 500,000 Canadians are living with dementia today, and Simms says there are some common misconceptions associated with the disease.

“When we are looking at trying to dispell some of myths, one of the ones we commonly here is ‘because someone in my family has Alzheimer’s, am I going to get it?’ The reality is, although genetics play a role in the disease, fewer than seven percent of cases are associated with the genes that cause the early on set.”

Simms adds they have a number of programs that are available to people affected by the disease.

“The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories offers year round core services, such as education, information and support. We have brochures on warning signs, preparing for doctor’s visits. We also have information sessions on topics like understanding dementia. We have multiple support groups, and we offer a referral program.”

The Alzheimer Society also has several events planned to promote awareness, including the host Alzheimer’s Awareness night at the Grande Prairie Storm on January 17th, when they take on the Camrose Kodiaks..