Alzheimer’s Awareness Month proclaimed across much of the north

January has been declared Alzheimer's Awareness Month in several northern Ontario communities as they combat dementia fears and stigma.

Cities and towns throughout northern Ontario have officially proclaimed January as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This coordinated effort underscores the region’s commitment to addressing dementia and the challenges faced by those living with it.

Wearable flower campaign aims to connect public with supports

The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, which maintains locations across the country to assist those with dementia, has initiated a wearable flower campaign to increase visibility for the disease. This campaign responds to their finding that 46 per cent of people are unsure where to find help or information on dementia.

“It’s a visible way to show your support for the community,” said Timmins & Porcupine District Alzheimer’s Society’s executive director Tracy Kosamp-Bergeron.

“The important thing to note is that people aren’t alone and actually, the slogan for this year is ‘forget no one’.”

Confronting stigma amid growing crisis

According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 53 per cent of Canadians are worried about developing dementia. Furthermore, the society reports that 24 per cent of people do not want to know if they have dementia, though ignoring symptoms can negatively impact long-term brain health.

Shannon Ketchabaw, the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Society of Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts, explained the scale of the issue to CTV News.

“The thing is, with dementia, that actually it is a crisis. It is increasing year by year. Our population is aging,” she said.

“The projected numbers are high in any of the research that’s being done out there for diagnoses.”

Ketchabaw also addressed a significant barrier to seeking help, stating, “There’s still such a stigma attached to it. And that’s, in part misunderstanding about what supports are out there for people.”

Community connection is a key tool

Throughout January, flag-raising ceremonies will be held in communities across the north to raise awareness for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and the available supports. This public action aligns with the societies’ focus on combating isolation.

“We want to keep people healthy and connected,” said Kosamp-Bergeron.

“The biggest risk factors, actually, for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are loneliness and age. We can’t do anything about age, but we can connect people in the community.”