Alzheimer Society begins online awareness campaign
By Adnews Staff
The Toronto-based Alzheimer Society of Canada has begun a dementia awareness campaign for a third year. The campaign is intended to counter stigmas associated with the disease and makes use of the copy, “I live with dementia. Let me help you understand.” The national campaign features a number of Canadians describing their personal experiences with dementia. The content is hosted on a campaign website at <http://www.ilivewithdementia.ca>, which also offers information about the disease and graphics to share via social media. The campaign began on Jan. 6 to coincide with Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
“Unless you have experienced it firsthand, it can be difficult to appreciate the damage stigma can do to individuals and families facing dementia,” said Pauline Tardif, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “Too often, negative feelings, attitudes and stereotypes surrounding dementia dissuade people from seeking help and discourage others from lending their support. By providing a platform for Canadians to share their stories, we can cultivate empathy and compassion and help break down the stigma so that Canadians with dementia can live a full life.”