The Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP) at the University of Waterloo has released a new video series aimed at changing the way people think about dementia.
The video series follows on the heels of the G8 Dementia Summit held in London in December. By 2031 dementia will affect 1.4 million Canadians, more than double the number today.
“There is a common perception that a diagnosis of dementia means life has ended. That simply isn’t true,” said Jessica Luh, Associate Director of Education for MAREP. “This video series challenges the stereotypes and stigmas often associated with dementia and offers new hope for those diagnosed with the disease.”
Produced in partnership with Montral-based Director Chris Wynn, A New Voice: living well with dementia, follows Mary Beth Wighton, a 45 year old woman newly diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Wighton meets three individuals living with dementia and learns the tools and strategies they use to maintain productive, meaningful lives.
“As someone newly diagnosed with dementia, it was important for me to know that this was not game over. The people I met while filming the series gave me new hope and showed me that I can not only cope, but thrive,” said Wighton.
Like all of MAREP’s resources, the video series is based on an authentic partnership approach, which includes those living with dementia, their family members and care partners, in the creation of practical tools. The end result puts a new lens on the dementia journey.
Wighton is currently advocating for the creation of a national dementia strategy. Canada is the only G8 country without one.
“Program and policy developers need us at table to help educate and make the critical decisions that will affect us directly. People with dementia have a voice. We just need to be heard,” said Wighton. “We are the ones living with dementia. So we, more than anyone, are the experts on how to live well.”
A New Voice: living well with dementia will be premiered on Wednesday January 15, 2014 at a public event held at Luther Village On the Park. Chris Wynn and Mary-Beth Wighton will be in attendance and available for interviews. Media wishing to attend should register with Nick Manning.
The series can be purchased on MAREP’s website for $35.00 plus HST. All proceeds go to the development of additional educational tools.
