Steps You Can Take To Fight Alzheimer’s Stigma And North Phoenix Assisted Living

People who live with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia experience stigmas and stereotypes on a regular basis. Stigma is a condition which causes an individual to be labeled by others in an undesirable and rejected stereotype, and social stigmas are commonly related to culture, gender, race, intelligence and health. The stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s is more than just negative thoughts about an individual with the disease, it’s a barrier in the search for a cure, having a real, tangible, and negative impact on Alzheimer’s treatment methods and research initiatives.

Before talking about the negative impact of the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s, learn more about the award-winning North Phoenix assisted living facility- Anthem Senior Living in AZ.

Senior health challenges we work with includes

1. Dementia
2. Alzheimer’s
3. Lewy Bodies Dementia
4. Wound Care
5. Arthritis
6. Respiratory Diseases
7. Diabetes
8. Heart Disease
9. Companionship Care
10. Bed Bound Patients
11. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
12. Cancer
13. Feeding Tubes / Picc Lines
14. Parkinson’s Disease

The stigma that surrounds Alzheimer’s is largely due to a lack of public awareness and understanding of the disease. According to studies, the negative label associated with people who have Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia prevent them from seeking early diagnosis, and sometimes any diagnosis at all. Also, the stigma causes many to delay seeking necessary medical treatment when symptoms are present, often doing away with any options to participate in clinical trials or treatment options that may slow the progression of the disease. Delay in diagnosis can also decrease the quality of life for the individual who has it and keep them from developing a support system and making plans for their future care needs.

“Overcoming stigma is the first step to beating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.” Etch it in your mind.

Tips to effectively fight the stigma that surrounds Alzheimer’s:

Education is the best way to beat any stigma. Raising understanding and awareness can lead to an increase in societal empathy and a reduction in fear, eventually leading to a reduced stigma. It is no different for Alzheimer’s. The following steps can help you efficiently fight the Alzheimer’s stigma and encourage others living with the disease.

1. Be honest and open about your own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one which breaks down barriers and makes the condition more personal and less scary. It’s a lot easier to fall for the stereotypes and generalizations when you do not know anyone living with or caring for someone with the disease.
2. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, there are several misconceptions and many people do not understand the stages of dementia, its symptoms, the progressive nature of the disease, and how to care for someone who has the disease. Remember, knowledge is power and sharing that knowledge will help reduce the stigma associated with it as stigmas result from fear and fear results from the unknown.

Last, but not the least, a support group is crucial to mental health and well-being. Get support of others as you use your voice to speak against dementia. Together, stay engaged and involved in the community, and become a vital part of the community. In no time you’d be the key to the search for a cure, ending the epidemic for future generations.