According to half of Canadians, it is not possible to live well with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The Société Alzheimer du Suroît wants to change this negative attitude towards the disease with its #StillHere campaign which has been launched during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
« We have to play down Alzheimer’s disease and the stigma associated with it, » stated Nicole Dumais, family caregiver and spouse of well-known Jacques Languirand, who suffers from the disease.
Life is not over with the appearance of Alzheimer’s disease. People suffering from dementia can continue to have a social life and contribute to their community in their own way even as the disease progresses.
However, this is not how the majority of Canadians feel who, according to a Nanos survey, are divided about the idea that it is possible to live well with dementia. The survey shows that 47% of respondents over the age of 18 disagree with this statement and 47% agree with it.
Dr. Alain Robillard, Associate clinical professor in cognitive neurology at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and the Université de Montréal, challenges current perceptions about dementia. « A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t automatically mean that the affected patient suddenly stops all their activities. On the contrary, most of my patients go back to their regular lives, but with a better understanding of the symptoms affecting them. I often say that the patients leaving my office aren’t any worse than they were when they came in. I advise them to carry on with their activities, it’s the best way to face this disease. »
The Société Alzheimer du Suroît offers support and services free of charge to people with Alzheimer’s, their families and caregivers, such as a help line, information, individual and family counselling, support groups, respite care at home or at drop-in centres and awareness and training activities. For information, contact the Société Alzheimer Suroit at 1-877-773-0303 or visit their web site at www.alzheimersuroit.com. (M.P.-C.J.)
