[ad_1]
Residents of North Surrey, Dona and Doug McMorland, have been living with Doug's diagnosis of dementia for 17 years, and the couple will share their story and the importance of fighting stigma at an event on Saturday.
Doug began to notice symptoms of dementia in 2001, at the age of 60.
"He was working as an electrician at Surrey Memorial Hospital," said Dona. Peace Arch News Sunday. "He had trouble remembering what he was supposed to do. His boss approved him for a short-term disability that turned into long-term disability. "
Now 77 years old, Doug lives in residential care, but that's because of his physical needs, Dona added.
"Not his mental state. I would always have him at home if he had no physical problems. "
Dona will give a presentation at the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia Resource Center (201 – 15127 100 Ave.) from 3 to 5 pm. January 26
SEE ALSO: Alzheimer Society Launches Telephone Assistance Service
SEE ALSO: Alzheimer's disease is "a karmic injustice"
Above all, said Dona, she would like to convey an important message to those present.
"These are always the same people you knew before the diagnosis and you should not treat them differently. They are always people. Do not talk to them, do not pretend they are not here.
"Many of them are diagnosed early enough to be able to cope very well. My husband was progressing very slowly and he continued without people knowing it until he told them, "said Dona.
January is the month of awareness of Alzheimer's disease. The goal of this year's campaign, according to the company, is to change attitudes about the disease and eliminate stigma.
Dona said she noticed that some people treated her husband differently after learning of her diagnosis.
"A few, not a lot," she says. "We were very open from the first moment. We told all our friends and all our family that it was our business and that we made it known. People just accepted it and continued.
Dona said she recommends that all people with dementia be transparent about their diagnosis.
"Absolutely, it's not a dirty little secret, it's a disease we do our best with."
Doug and Dona got involved with the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia shortly after Doug's diagnosis, Dona said.
"We got a lot of help from them to help people at workshops and presentations. He was very good at talking. From time to time, I intervened and helped a little, "said Dona.
"He's sometimes very late, but that's good. It's just something you learn to manage. "
Dona said that she and her husband were fighting the disease together.
"We are, from the beginning. We are very lucky that we have very supportive children. They help us a lot. "
Dona expressed her appreciation for the media coverage and open discussion that has taken place since January named Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
Dona said her husband "loved talking" and "he can not wait" for the event.
[ad_2]
Source link
