The third awareness campaign “kicks off” I live with Alzheimer’s. Let me help you understand. Was donated today by the Quebec Federation of Alzheimer Societies (FQSA) and its 20 regional Alzheimer Societies. And now is the time for understanding, since Quebecers affected by the disease demand to be better accepted and better supported.
Even if Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, it does not mark the end of a life. The goal of this major campaign is to change people’s perception of this disease and other forms of cognitive impairment, in order to to help them better understand the reality of people with Alzheimer’s. Discrimination and judgments are also important barriers for people with cognitive disabilities and their families.
“The experience of Alzheimer’s disease is unique to everyone and is only one chapter in a person’s life. We must stop believing that life stops after the diagnosis, thanks to adequate help and support, sufferers can continue to enjoy a good quality of life for many years, says Sonia Nadeau , Executive Director of the Alzheimer Chaudière-Appalaches Society. Too often, negative attitudes and stereotypes around cognitive illnesses discourage some people from seeking stimulation or support. ”
End the stigma
Motivated by an alarming study of 1,500 Canadians who report that almost 50%1 of respondents would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they have Alzheimer’s disease, the FQSA invites the public to visit the campaign website jevisaveclalzheimer.ca to read inspirational stories, get informed, and find tips to end the stigma.
By allowing people affected by a cognitive disease to tell their stories, the Alzheimer Society wishes to change the way we look at these diseases and the people who suffer from them, and thus help to reduce judgments so that they can live. their lives to the full.
“My wife Patricia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago. I had to let go to allow myself to live better everyday with him. My name is Normand, Chaudière-Appalaches ambassador for the “I live with Alzheimer’s campaign. Let me help you understand.” ”
Currently, more than 141,000 Quebecers are living with a cognitive disease, not to mention the thousands of family members who directly provide help and care to people with Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that this number will reach 260,000 in 2031.
“The number of Quebecers suffering from a cognitive disease is exploding. It is therefore an extremely important campaign which allows us to take a break and reflect on our attitudes and perceptions, and thus foster a more inclusive and caring society towards people with cognitive illness and their families ”, Sonia Nadeau concludes.
About the Alzheimer Chaudière-Appalaches Society
The Alzheimer Chaudière-Appalaches Society offers many services to people affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related disease and their families. The Society also educates the general public about the consequences of Alzheimer’s disease. It offers training to everyone around people living with Alzheimer’s disease. The Society also contributes to research on its causes, treatments and cure.
More than 11,000 people are living with a major neurocognitive disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease, in Chaudière-Appalaches, and that number will more than double in a generation. According to the Tidal Wave report, Canada now has one new person with Alzheimer’s disease or related illnesses every five minutes. Within 30 years, there will be a new case every two minutes.
For more information, visit the website of the FQSA at address www.alzheimerchap.qc.ca
1 ALZHEIMER CANADA (2017). Alzheimer’s Awareness Survey https://ilivewithdementia.ca/resultats-de-lenquete-sur-la-stigmatisation/
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