For decades and decades, dementia was only presented as a tragic event…People talk to me about their dementia being a gift and transforming them, about giving them strength and resilience they never thought they would have, taking them into possibilities they never thought would happen.  –Sherry Dupuis, University of Waterloo  

Dementia misinformation, misunderstanding, and stereotypes can make living a life of continued purpose and participation challenging. It’s up to each of us, in our own way, to dispel dementia myths by sharing the FACTS with our family, friends, health care team, and community leaders.

Here are a few facts to share now:

• Myth: People living with dementia can no longer read.
• FACT: People living with dementia can live for many years reading the daily news, their email, and more. (Long or complex books may become more challenging over time.)

• Myth: People living with dementia cannot learn new things.
• FACT: The brain has vast neural reserves. And with new, stimulating experiences the brain creates new neural pathways where learning happens.

• Myth: People living with dementia don’t enjoy doing things.
• FACT: People living with dementia continue to laugh, dance, go places, and enjoy favorite pastimes and new interests—with supports and modifications in place and as needed.

Together we will lift our voices to shout out… –Laurie Scherrer, Manual Guide

For more FACTS to share and shout– visit Pathways Section 1.6 – https://daanow.org/pathways/