Alzheimer's Awareness Month

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, a time to pause, reflect, and deepen our understanding of the profound impact dementia has on Canadians. By increasing awareness and empathy for the daily experiences of those living with dementia, we can better support their journey and foster a more inclusive society.

The Alzheimer Society of Canada is dedicated to creating a dementia-friendly Canada, where people living with dementia and their families feel seen, included, and supported. A key focus is ensuring that both physical and social environments are accessible to all. This involves educating ourselves and others about dementia, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and sharing stories.

In addition to raising awareness, it's essential to learn how to interact in a dementia-friendly manner. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Wear a name tag to clearly identify yourself as someone who can offer assistance.

2. Approach the person from the front to ensure they can see you.

3. Remove hats or sunglasses to make your face and expressions more visible.

4. Avoid making assumptions about their needs or thoughts.

5. Ask them directly if you can help.

6. Provide clear, simple instructions and repeat if necessary.

7. Offer to guide them if they need assistance finding their way.

8. When the person is with a caregiver, ensure the person living with dementia is included in decisions that affect them.

9. Share one message at a time and avoid using slang.

In addition to fostering positive interactions, there are several ways to make physical spaces more dementia-friendly. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Ensure adequate lighting indoors and use window coverings to reduce glare.

  • Minimize background noise and provide quiet areas for relaxation.

  • Keep hallways, floors, and other surfaces clear of obstacles.

  • Use contrasting red or orange strips on stair edges and level changes to increase visibility.

  • Clearly mark entrances and exits for easy identification.

  • Provide comfortable seating, especially near entrances and exits.

  • If possible, offer accessible family washrooms or change rooms for caregiver assistance.

By making these small adjustments, we can contribute to a more supportive and accessible environment for people living with dementia and their families. Together, we can help create a dementia-friendly Canada.

What can you do? The Alzheimer Society has come up with 5 things you can do to support Alzheimer's Awareness Month (taken from www.alzheimer.ca)

1. Spread the word

You can help support Alzheimer's Awareness Month. It's an easy start to helping your fellow Canadians who are living with this serious disease. This year, we are encouraging you to learn more about strategies for living well with dementia, along with tips and advice on maintaining your overall health and wellness.

2. Connect with your local Society

One of the central themes to this year’s campaign is Community. We encourage you to find out what's going on at your local Alzheimer Society, including how your Society is helping your community and how you can get involved.

3. Learn more about dementia

Another theme this year is Knowledge. Learning more about dementia through the Alzheimer Society’s many resources can, as one example, help someone identify the warning signs of dementia and get them an early diagnosis, leading to that person getting the help and support they need earlier.

A little learning can make all the difference in helping someone live as well with dementia as possible.

4. Listen to the stories of people with lived experience

The best way to understand the impact of dementia, and the need for further help and support, is to hear directly from people with lived experience of it.

Over the next little while, the Alzheimer Society will be publishing more stories from people living with dementia, caregivers and researchers alike. We encourage you to read and share them among people you know.

5. Support our other initiatives to raise awareness

As we observe Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let's commit to creating a more understanding and compassionate society. Whether through small acts of kindness, educating ourselves, or supporting those affected, each of us can play a role in making life easier for individuals living with dementia. Together, we can help create a more inclusive and dementia-friendly Canada.

Let’s continue to listen, learn, and act.

Leanne Masellis