Dementia Awareness
Dementia affects not just memory but how people think, communicate, and go about daily life. Understanding dementia helps us support those affected—and reduce stigma.
This page provides an overview of:
- What dementia is and how it shows up in everyday life
- Tips for family members and caregivers
- Ways communities and service providers can be more supportive
You’ll also find resources grounded in Inuit Societal Values and written in plain language.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not one single disease. It’s a word used to describe changes in the brain that make it harder to remember things, solve problems, or communicate. These changes can also affect mood and behaviour.
Dementia often begins slowly and gets worse over time. It can be caused by different conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
People with dementia are still the same people. They deserve to be treated with respect, patience, and understanding.
Support for Families and Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia can be emotional and exhausting. It helps to:
- Learn about what dementia is and how it may change over time
- Focus on the person’s strengths, not just their challenges
- Keep routines simple and familiar
- Take breaks and ask for help when you need it
There are also suggestions on how to respond to common situations, like repeated questions, wandering, or changes in sleep.
Create a Dementia-Friendly Community
Service providers, organizations, and community members all have a role to play. You can help by:
- Learning how to communicate clearly and calmly
- Making spaces easier to navigate and less overwhelming
- Creating programs that include and welcome people living with dementia
- Offering support that respects dignity and cultural identity
Resources on this page are designed to support caregivers, health workers, and community program staff, especially in Inuit or Northern contexts.
Resources
Download and save or print the following resources.
For Families and Caregivers
- Guide for Caregivers: Caring for a Family Member with Dementia (PDF, 258 KB): Practical advice and emotional support for those caring for someone with dementia at home.
- Conversation Guide: Talking About Memory Concerns (PDF, 217 KB): Tips for starting supportive, respectful conversations about memory loss with a loved one.
- Home Safety Checklist (PDF, 195 KB): Simple steps to make the home safer and more comfortable for someone living with dementia.
- What to Do If You’re Worried About Memory Loss (PDF, 213 KB): A clear guide to what to watch for, when to seek help, and how to access support.
- Early Diagnosis of Dementia: Why Early Diagnosis Matters (PDF, 206 KB): Outlines the benefits of early detection and how providers can help patients and families access timely care.
- Contact Resource Sheet (PDF, 198 KB): A list of key services and supports available to those affected by dementia in Nunavut and beyond.
For Community Members and the General Public
- 10 Signs of Dementia (PDF, 177 KB): An easy-to-share poster showing common early signs of dementia—great for clinics, offices, or community centres.
- Dementia FAQs (PDF, 215 KB): Quick Answers to Common Questions About Dementia
Straightforward answers to the questions people often have about dementia.
Dementia Glossary (PDF, 231 KB): Plain-language definitions of common terms related to dementia, diagnosis, and care.