With one of the oldest populations in the country, a need for Alzheimer’s and Dementia resources in New Brunswick is on the rise.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, more than 16,900 families in the province are affected by the disease while only a portion of that are taking advantage of their services.
In 2015, the organization provided assistance to 400 new N.B. families, an increase from the previous year. However they are preparing for an even greater jump in the future.
“The more families that know we’re here, the better,” said Communications and Fundraising Coordinator Jamie Matthews.
With increased awareness and an informed public, the society says they’ll be able to better prepare for what comes next.
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness month and the society’s goal is to get more people talking about the disease.
With that in mind they’ve launched a new initiative called the “Still Here” campaign which is aimed at ending the stigma surrounding dementia.
“Life doesn’t end after a diagnosis,” Matthews said.
The initiative is made up of three steps which encourage everyone to;
- Be a friend by learning more about Alzheimer’s and dementias,
- Be informed by testing their knowledge in their online quiz, and
- Be a supporter by taking part in the Walk for Alzheimer’s, their biggest fundraiser of the year which takes place in over 150 communities nationwide.
For more information visit www.alzheimer.ca
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