Alzheimer's Association addresses stigma during World Alzheimer's Month

Alzheimer's disease is an international epidemic impacting a growing number of families around the world, including nearly 69,000 in Iowa, and threatening the global economy. Yet, it is often misunderstood, preventing people from seeking medical treatment and securing desperately needed support. In honor of World Alzheimer's Month, the Alzheimer's Association® is unveiling tips created by people living with Alzheimer's on how to address the stigma surrounding the disease.

The Alzheimer's Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group, now in its seventh year, is comprised of men and women from across the country who provide their unique insight on the needs of people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Current and former Early-Stage Advisors developed the following tips on how to combat stigma based on their personal experiences:

Communicate the facts about dementia. Accurate information helps clear up misconceptions about the disease.

Seek out friends and foster a positive way of communicating, explaining to others what it is like to have the disease, how you are coping and what projects you have planned for the future.

Be open and direct about the diagnosis and engage the person in a discussion about Alzheimer's disease and the need for methods of prevention, treatment and a cure.

Denial of the disease by others is “about them” and not about you. There are those who may be quick to think people living with Alzheimer's are simply going through the normal aging process. This is a perfect time to educate them.

There are a lot of people who do and will support you and keep you involved in their activities. Stay connected to them and focus on what you can still do, this is where you need to be; Connect and seek support from other individuals who are also living with the disease or are caregivers.

There is no shame in having Alzheimer's – it is a disease. Talk openly about it.

Advocate for self and be a part of the solution by speaking out and educating others.

Give others a link to information or booklet so they can understand Alzheimer's disease has various stages.

“Although awareness of Alzheimer's has grown, we still have a long way to go to educate others about the disease,” said Kelly Hauer, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter. “To begin to change the way we look at Alzheimer's, we have to begin to understand the challenges that people with the disease face every day. That includes the stigma that often comes with a diagnosis and facing it head on,” Hauer added.

To further support efforts to reduce stigma, the Alzheimer's Association is leading additional World Alzheimer's Month awareness activities, including a celebrity charity auction on eBay from Sept. 17-27. Items include:

A guitar signed by country music legend Glen Campbell, who is living with Alzheimer's and currently touring.

A celebrity event experience with Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller, including two tickets to the star-studded “Hilarity for Charity” event in Los Angeles and opportunity to meet event hosts Rogen and Miller and walk the red carpet.

In addition, eBay is providing all customers the chance to donate to the Alzheimer's Association through its "Give at Checkout" program and supporting a $5,000 Tweet Challenge Match. Beginning on Monday, Sept. 10, @ebaygiving will engage its Twitter audience with a message about World Alzheimer's Month. For each retweet of that message, eBay will donate a $1 to the Alzheimer's Association, up to $5,000.

Also during the month of September, the Alzheimer's Association is encouraging everyone to “Go Purple” in recognition of the more than 35 million people worldwide living with dementia. Visit the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/WAM to learn ways to “Go Purple,” including:

Sporting purple on Alzheimer's Action Day, Friday, Sept. 21. Purple t-shirts, hoodies and a limited-edition CJ Free bracelet designed by Holly Freeman and Jamie-Lynn Sigler benefiting the Alzheimer's Association are available.

Turn Facebook purple using an END ALZ graphic as your profile picture.

Share your story about overcoming stigma and get inspired by others doing the same.

To learn more about Alzheimer's disease and overcoming stigma, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/WAM.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.