SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - New campaign aims to encourage conversations, increase awareness and beat the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease.
Let’s Talk Memory was launched in conjunction with the 7th annual World Alzheimer’s Day. The campaign aims to encourage Islanders to share their story or journey with the disease on social media using the hashtag #LetsTalkMemory.
“Today, on World Alzheimer’s Day, let us all take steps to better understand dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Together, we can discover ways to help people living with dementia as well as those who care for them,” said Health and Wellness Minister Robert Mitchell.
“We are so pleased to be partnering with the Alzheimer’s Society of P.E.I. to help raise public awareness and get people talking about a disease which affects so many Islanders,” he added.
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are degenerative brain diseases that affect thinking, memory, mood, behavior and physical abilities. It is a disease that has a profound impact on those living with it, as well as their families and friends.
The Let’s Talk Memory campaign will include targeted local and social media, posters, feature stories about Islanders and educational components to increase awareness of the risk factors and early signs of dementia.
“Many people when they think Alzheimer’s disease they automatically associate it to memory loss – but it is so much more than that,” said Corrine Hendricken-Eldershaw, the CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society of P.E.I.
“This exciting, #LetsTalkMemory campaign is to invite Islanders to think about their brain health, have conversations with loved ones, and better understand that Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss and much more. There are warning signs, risk factors, symptoms, and we are here to help.”
P.E.I. has an aging population, with more people living longer and healthier lives. An aging society is good news, which offers new opportunities, but it brings challenges that include an increase in Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
“The promotion of healthy and dignified aging is one of the top priorities of the provincial Action Plan for Seniors, Near Seniors, and Caregivers,” continued Mitchell.
“This partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society is a step forward in enhanced coordination and cooperation between our community partners, government and Health P.E.I.”
Alzheimer societies across the country provide programs and support services for people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and their caregivers.
To learn more or reach out for support visit, www.alzpei.ca.
