Dr. Pia Kontos on Debunking the Stigma of Dementia

The Alzheimer Society of Canada launches a new social media campaign today and has appointed RSI's Dr. Pia Kontos as a media spokesperson!

The #StillHere campaign is designed to challenge Canadians to recognize the people who are living with dementia in their communities, and to think about ways to help them live a better life according to the society’s director of education, Mary Schulz. Canadians can do this by participating in the hashtag campaign, taking time to learn more about the disease, and read personal stories from affected families. 

In a recent interview with CBC News, Kontos says that despite the struggles, dementia patients can live rich lives. But changing perceptions about the illness will take a societal shift to support people living with dementia.

"It's disempowering this stigma," Kontos said. "It's demeaning and when they internalize that stigma, they edit themselves into silence for fear of being judged, so they themselves are disengaging and that has really detrimental consequences for quality of life and for their well-being." 

Kontos' research has also been profiled on newswire.ca where she also states that people with dementia can continue to engage with the world in many other meaningful ways. And supporting their dignity and worth, improves their well-being and quality of life.  

To hear more on Kontos' research and the #StillHere campaign, tune into the CBC News Network and The National tonight to hear her interview!

You can also read more here:

Dementia's Stigma Challenged - CBC News
Is it Possible to Live Well with Dementia? - Newswire