Open the Door to move beyond stigma this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Learn about the impact of stigma and how we can change the narrative together.
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the Champlain Dementia Network and The Dementia Society of Ottawa & Renfrew County are working to raise awareness of the many forms of dementia (including Alzheimer’s Disease) – and open the door to greater understanding.
Twenty-four thousand families in our community are impacted by dementia. And fear and stigma can keep them from getting the help they need. The impact of that stigma is real, and isolation is a heavy burden to bear.
Let’s build a community that supports people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Read more to learn about available programs, break down stigma, and Open The Door to greater understanding.
People impacted by dementia face 5 types of stigma:
Public Stigma
Negative attitudes and stereotypes held by society.
Example: A person with dementia is at a coffee shop and asks for help reading the menu. The staff member seems dismissive, assuming they’re just being difficult rather than recognizing they may need extra support.
Reminder: A little patience and kindness can make these interactions easier for everyone involved.
Self-Stigma
Internalized shame or fear of judgment by those diagnosed.
Example: After being diagnosed with dementia, someone stops attending their weekly exercise class, feeling like they don’t belong anymore or might be seen differently.
Reminder: It’s okay to ask for help or share your experiences. Many people are more understanding than we might expect.
Courtesy Stigma
Discrimination faced by caregivers or close connections.
Example: A person talks about supporting a loved one with dementia, and someone responds with pity instead of recognizing their strength and commitment.
Reminder: Caregivers do incredible work, asking “do you need support” goes a long way.
Affiliate Stigma
Stigma felt by family members or affiliates of someone with dementia.
Example: A family member of someone with dementia decides not to invite friends over because they worry their loved one’s condition will make others uncomfortable.
Reminder: Sharing your experiences can help break down misunderstandings and foster empathy.
Structural Stigma
Systemic barriers and biases in policies, services, and healthcare.
Example: A person with dementia applies for a service and is asked to complete paperwork that assumes they don’t need any accommodations, making the process harder for them.
Reminder: Systems that account for different needs help ensure everyone feels supported and valued.
Helpful Resources
The first step to challenging these stigmas is to improve your own understanding of what it means to live with dementia. Below you will find a collection of practical tools and resources from The Dementia Society that you can use to connect and better understand someone living with dementia.
Support Groups
Lending Library
Learning Hub
Your Voice Can Help End the Stigma
Your Story Matters
When you talk about your experience with dementia, you create awareness, challenge misconceptions, and normalize the experience for those living with it. Your voice has the power to inspire change.