Overcoming the stigma of dementia

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This article was published 10/01/2020 (2171 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When grocery shopping, Bonni Houle has seen people purposely avoid speaking to her mother, who has dementia.

“It hurts my heart when that happens,” said Houle.

The Portage la Prairie resident regularly takes her mother, 84, and father, 85, grocery shopping at local stores they have patronized for many years. Her mother’s ability to converse has been affected by her dementia as well as by her impaired vision and hearing loss. Houle isn’t sure why some people are reluctant to speak to her mother, but she guesses they are likely uncomfortable and unsure of what to say.

“If you don’t experience things in your own family, you don’t understand,” she said.

Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s North Central regional director Donna Frost, who is based in Portage at 218 Saskatchewan Ave. E, said breaking the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is once again the theme of the organization’s annual January campaign.

According to a news release issued by the Alzheimer Society, research indicates that one in four Canadians would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia. The current campaign gives a voice to Canadians with dementia who are frustrated by the constant assumptions and misinformation associated with the disease.

Frost said experiences like those of Houle and her parents are common as people unfamiliar with dementia’s effects would rather avoid interacting with someone who has the disease.

“People think ‘I don’t know what to say,’” Frost said.

Many believe that getting a dementia diagnosis means the end to a normal life, Frost said, but this isn’t the case. “This isn’t the end of your story. You can live for years with the proper supports.”

She mentioned the Alzheimer Society’s Minds in Motion program for those with dementia and their caregivers. This program, which might again be offered in Portage this spring, carries long-lasting benefits through engaging participants in activities and social interaction.

“Socially it’s a safe program,” Frost said, as participants are knowledgeable about and accepting of dementia behaviours.

“The brain benefits from that action for up to 72 hours afterward,” she said.

Houle said she’s considering joining the Alzheimer Society’s caregivers support group in Portage. Frost said there are also support groups in Gladstone and Treherne.

Frost said she has informational resources available for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and for their loved ones.

“We’re here for a one-on-one talk as well.”

Houle said she believes that knowing about the disease that is affecting her mother is important.

“If I know what’s coming, I can be prepared for it.”

For more information on the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, see https://alzheimer.mb.ca
To reach Frost, call 204-239-4898.