January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin is screening the film “Much Too Young” in Sudbury on Jan. 18 to help people learn more about the condition.
The screening starts at 6:30 p.m. at Sudbury Theatre Centre. Tickets cost $10 each and can be reserved by phoning 705-560-0603.
The film's description is as follows: “What does it mean to be a young adult faced with caring for an ailing parent? 'Much Too Young' is a powerful and unflinching look at four families struggling to cope with an unexpected role reversal — and the complications that come with caring for a parent with early onset Alzheimer's at a shockingly young age.”
The Alzheimer Society of Canada recently released a new survey, showing 46 per cent of respondents would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, while 61 per cent of those surveyed said they would face discrimination of some kind.
"(This) significantly impacts the well-being of those living with dementia making it harder for them to speak to those they love about it,” said Stephanie Leclair, executive director with the Alzheimer Society.
To this end, the Alzheimer Society is kicking off a new social awareness campaign: “I live with dementia – let me help you understand.” The campaign features real Canadians living with early-onset dementia, sharing their stories.
The goal is to end the shame and embarrassment some people living with dementia say they suffer because of their diagnosis, and to encourage others to be more open and accepting of those living with dementia.
To help stop stigma and read the full survey, visit ILiveWithDementia.ca, and use the hashtag #ilivewithdementia to help spread the word.
