A diagnosis of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease or a related dementia leaves both the person with the illness and their family members with many unanswered questions.聽 Researchers at the University of 蓝莓视频 and McMaster University are leading a project that has resulted in the creation of a new web-based resource that provides valuable information that will help navigate the journey of living with dementia.
Launching today, the聽Living with Dementia website聽was designed to provide persons newly diagnosed with dementia and those who care for them with the information and resources needed to live well with an illness causing dementia. This new research-based website, available in both English and French, was created in collaboration with persons living with dementia and their family members and care providers.
鈥淚 would have been ecstatic to have walked away from my doctor鈥檚 office with this information; something that would allow me to be proactive and give me a sense of direction, instead of sitting in my car crying and feeling hopeless,鈥 said Brenda Hounam, who was diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago. 鈥淭his website is a lifeline. It is a place to get safe, hopeful information.鈥
The website covers a wide range of information with topics identified by those living with dementia, including answers to questions surrounding health care, how to continue living well with dementia, how to ensure they are receiving the right care and support to meet their needs, and how to begin the process of planning for the future.聽
鈥淧ersons with dementia and their families can continue to live well and have meaningful lives when they have the information and resources available to support them in doing that,鈥 said Sherry Dupuis, co-investigator and Director of the聽Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP)聽at the University of 蓝莓视频. 鈥淲hat makes this resource unique is that it was developed specifically by persons with dementia and their care partners working actively with our extensive team of researchers, educators, health professionals, pharmacists, and family health team representatives. This ensures it is relevant and easily accessible to persons and families diagnosed with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease or another related dementia.鈥
Carrie McAiney, co-investigator, and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at聽McMaster University adds that this resource will be a valuable tool for professional health care providers and community organizations supporting those whose lives are touched by dementia. "This project will help physicians, pharmacists, Alzheimer Societies and others find ways to integrate the Living With Dementia resource into their everyday practice so it can be shared with those living with dementia and their family members,鈥澛爏he said.