Dementia projects funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada

Description: A centralized, online hub to expand access to dementia information and resources was developed on the Government of Yukon's website (Yukon.ca). The hub was developed in consultation with subject matter experts, people living with dementia, caregivers, Indigenous representatives, health care practitioners and other relevant groups.

Resources created during this project include web content on:

• general information about dementia
• resources for people living with dementia
• resources for families and caregivers
• resources for health care providers

Lead organization: Government of Yukon, Department of Health and Social Services

Duration: 2023 to 2024

Theme: Person-centered care

Population focus: General population

Geographic focus: Yukon

To access project resources: About dementia

Description: This project built a new online provincial hub for dementia education and awareness in New Brunswick. Dementia related topics on the hub include an overview of dementia, information related to living with dementia, planning for the future, community resources, risk reduction, and information for health care workers. A digital advertising campaign to raise awareness of this new education and awareness hub was developed and launched.

Resources created during this project include:

• a webpage with information and resources for navigating dementia in New Brunswick

Lead organization: New Brunswick Department of Health

Duration: 2023 to 2024

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, risk reduction (prevention)

Population focus: General population

Geographic focus: New Brunswick

To access project resources: Dementia

Description: This project aimed to inform, equip and support Francophone minorities living in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Yukon regarding dementia with a focus on risk reduction. Tools and resources including videos, webinars, and infographics were developed and shared through awareness campaigns, regional resource directories and a community-based support program. Research documented dementia and the related needs of Francophone minority communities in western Canada and the Yukon.

Resources created during this project include:

• a series of webinars (in French only) and a podcast (in French only) on cognitive health
• infographics (in French only), such as this one on the positive effects of music for cognitive health (in French only)
• a series of 12 videos (in French only) which shares tools and activities to promote cognitive health

Lead organization: La Société Réso Santé Colombie-Britannique

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Risk reduction (prevention)

Population focus: Ethno-cultural minorities, official language minorities, older adults

Geographic focus: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon

To access project resources: Abécédaire d'un cerveau en santé (in French only)

Description: This project expanded the Artful Moments program based at the Art Gallery of Hamilton through the development and sharing of learning modules on best practices and approaches in implementing dementia-inclusive programs at museums and art galleries. Artful Moments is an arts-based program created for people living with dementia that provides a space for participants to discuss art and explore art-making activities. Through its learning modules, the project is enabling museums and art galleries across Canada to become more visibly inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for people living with dementia.

Resources created during this project include:

• an eLearning curriculum comprised of 6 modules, 300 mini lessons and 90 videos on dementia knowledge and adaptive planning
• a print version of the curriculum
• a report on survey results regarding museum programming for persons living with dementia

Lead organization: Art Gallery of Hamilton

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, community service groups, people living with dementia

Geographic focus: Ontario

To access project resources: Artful Moments: Shared Learning

Description: This project provided seed funding to five rural communities in Alberta (Sturgeon County, Taber, Strathmore, Spirit River and Drumheller) to pilot strategies supporting dementia-inclusive communities and dementia stigma reduction. It resulted in five easy-to-follow online guides, one tailored for each community, which outline steps taken to become more inclusive of those living with dementia within their region. A documentary was created to help raise awareness of the guides and share the activities undertaken within each rural community. Examples of these activities include a speaker's series, train the trainer sessions for first responders, memory cafés, and the development of "inclusive activity kits" to facilitate family connections, as well as "brain kits" to promote brain health. Some resources are also available in Cree and closed captioning.

Resources created during this project include:

• Five ABCD project guides:
  • Sturgeon County
  • Taber
  • Strathmore
  • Spirit River
  • Drumheller
• an ABCD Documentary, including a Cree translation

Lead organization: Rural Development Network

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities

Population focus: Caregivers, people living with dementia, rural/remote

Geographic focus: Alberta

To access project resources:Awareness Builds Connections in Dementia-Friendly Communities

Description: This project developed the Defy Dementia podcast, short videos, infographics, a website with curated resources, and held in-person and virtual community engagement events to raise awareness among Canadians on how to prevent or slow the progression of dementia based on the latest evidence; provide actionable strategies to reduce risk; and reduce dementia-associated stigma. Older adults and caregiver communities were engaged during the project through the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation's Leap community to help inform topic priorities, learning gaps, and health information practices.

Resources created during this project include:

• 20 podcast episodes that aim to help reduce dementia risk by exploring key dementia risk factors, along with videos, infographics, and related resources to complement each podcast episode
• a cognitive engagement game called Canoku – Brian Health Edition

Lead organization: The Baycrest Academy for Research and Education in the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Risk reduction (prevention), stigma reduction

Population focus: General population

Geographic focus: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

To access project resources:About -Tell us what you think about the Defy Dementia podcast, videos and infographics

Description: This project, focused in Ontario and New Brunswick, offered a mix of awareness-raising activities, including education for older adults on how to reduce the risk of dementia through healthy behaviours and dementia awareness training for youth. As part of the project, learning modules were created on risk factor topics such as sleep, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as on dementia-related stigma. Additionally, participants in dementia prevention education sessions were able to try exergame equipment designed to promote the adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviours through active learning centres and were shown how games and other tools can be used to boost cognitive activity and physical exercise.

Resources created during this project include:

• a series of dementia videos on: social isolation, hearing, brain fitness, stress, depression, sleep, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, nutrition, active living, alcohol use, smoking prevention, medication use, stigma for older adults, and stigma for youth.

Lead organization: Cyber-Seniors

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Risk reduction (prevention), stigma reduction

Population focus: Older adults, youth

Geographic focus: New Brunswick, Ontario

To access project resources:Welcome to the Dementia Awareness program

Description: This project engaged with communities in North Central British Columbia to gain a better understanding of local needs related to dementia awareness and care and developed culturally appropriate and culturally safe dementia resources. An e-book was produced that provides tailored guidance for regional and Indigenous populations on dementia risk reduction, and support for people living with dementia and caregivers. College and community dementia awareness materials were developed for dissemination as open education resources.

Resources created during this project include:

• the e-book, Mind the Gap: Dementia Guidance for the North, which includes four sets of lecture slides for college and community settings to increase awareness and understanding of dementia, and a guidance document on dementia risk reduction and support for people living with dementia and caregivers.

Lead organization: College of New Caledonia

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, Indigenous-led, person-centred care, risk reduction (prevention)

Population focus: Caregivers, community service groups, general population, Indigenous populations, paid care providers, people living with dementia, rural/remote

Geographic focus: British Columbia

To access project resources:Mind the Gap: Understanding Dementia

Description: This project enhanced the Mind Over Matter^®(MOM) program that highlights brain health risks for women 35 years and older by creating the BrainFit – Habit Tracker (a virtual coaching app) as well as podcasts and videos to inform individuals about dementia risk factors and encourage them to adopt healthy behaviours. The app provides content related to the 'Six Pillars of Brain Health' (physical exercise, healthy eating, mental stimulation, proper sleep, stress reduction, and social interaction) and tracks habits to help users monitor their progress.

Resources created during this project include:

• the 'BrainFit - Free Habit Tracker' app designed to help build habits that optimize brain health
• interview-style podcasts with experts in brain health and related areas
• and videos on the best ways to protect brain health

Lead organization: Women's Brain Health Initiative

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Risk reduction (prevention), stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, people living with dementia, women

Geographic focus: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

To access project resources:Women's Brain Health Initiative

Description: The I'm Still Me project delivered in-person events at community centres in British Columbia as well as virtual events and online resources to reduce stigma by creating opportunities to learn more about dementia and interact with those living with the condition. These events contributed to encouraging dementia-inclusive communities through the opportunity to view relevant films and participate in interactive educational presentations. The goal of these events was to increase self-awareness, compassion and open-mindedness towards the diagnosis of dementia and people living with dementia.

Resources created during this project include:

• a toolkit with resources for care partners, family, community members and people living with dementia to increase dementia knowledge and awareness
• a resource library including:
  • videos featuring people living with dementia and caregivers, evidence-based educational sessions, and webinars
  • learning opportunities to educate about dementia
  • a slideshow to gain insight and challenge stereotypes about the experience of people living with dementia

Lead organization: Brella Community Services Society

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, community service groups, general population, older adults, paid care providers, people living with dementia

Geographic focus: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

To access project resources: Brella Community Services Society

Description: This project developed an interactive online educational experience to help equip dementia caregivers along with a storybook for children and a graphic novel for adolescents to raise awareness about dementia and reduce stigma. The materials are intended to build a better understanding about the behaviours of those living with dementia and how to best support them from a person-centred care perspective, while reducing stigma and enabling communities to become more dementia-inclusive. Five hundred hard copies (a mix of the storybook and graphic novel) were shared with the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa region library network and the Upper Canada District School Board.

Resources created during this project include:

• the IncludeMe^TM – A Starting Point for Dementia Caregivers online learning program
• a children's storybook
• a graphic novel for adolescents

Lead organization: Iris the Dragon

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Person-centred care

Population focus: Caregivers, people living with dementia, youth

Geographic focus: Ontario

To access project resources:Iris the Dragon - Author Gayle Grass

Description: This project developed and delivered a person-centred language education and coaching program for health professionals working in acute care settings to reduce stigma linked to behaviours, language, and practices, including how patients are described in verbal communication and written documentation. Guidelines were developed to support the implementation of person-centred language in various forms of communication used in care settings, such as progress notes, consult notes, and other areas within patient charts. By focusing on person-centred language to reduce the use of stigmatizing language, the project is improving the experience of patients who enter the health system in Toronto's Academic Health Science Network hospitals.

Resources created during this project include:

• a mobile app reference guide on the practical use of person-centred language in acute care settings
• an online course for health professionals working in acute care
• printable pocket cards with suggested person-centered language
• 8 short videos to stimulate discussion about person-centred language
• webinars on documenting responsive behaviours and physician use of person-centred language

Lead organization: Regional Geriatric Program of Toronto

Duration: 2021 to 2024

Theme: Stigma reduction

Population focus: Paid care providers

Geographic focus: Ontario

To access project resources:Implement Person-Centred Language in Patient Documentation

Description: This project has better informed Canadians about the ability of people living with dementia to be creative, playful and imaginative in an effort to reduce stigma and promote dementia-inclusive communities. It also has increased understanding of the value of dance as a form of creative movement that can promote an enhanced quality of life for people living with dementia. As a result of this project, communities across the country are better able to offer dementia-inclusive dance activities in a welcoming environment, building a culture where dance practices are included in daily life for people living with dementia.

Resources created during this project include:

• a film that challenges stigmatizing assumptions about whether people living with dementia can thrive as dancers
• an article on how streaming the program influenced social inclusion processes and outcomes in rural settings and an article on how the film challenged dementia-related stigma for a diverse range of knowledge users
• an awareness campaign, including a one-minute animated video and poster series, that shares the benefits of dance for people living with dementia
• a podcast about dance and movement for those living with dementia
• a research book about the role of the arts in enhancing the lives of older adults

Lead organization: Canada's National Ballet School

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, people living with dementia

Geographic focus: Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

To access project resources:Let's challenge dementia-related stigma through dance.

Description: The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) received funding to raise awareness about dementia-related stigma and promote dementia-inclusive communities through the development of a distinctions-based understanding of stigma, community needs, strengths and resources, and the creation of culturally grounded tools. Through engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, resources were developed to reduce stigma and support caregivers and communities to become more dementia inclusive.

Resources created during this project include:

• a culturally specific toolkit for people living with dementia and dementia caregivers, offering practical tips informed by Indigenous and other approaches. Grounded in the voices of Elders and caregivers across Turtle Island and Inuit Nunangat (the Indigenous territories across what is now Canada), the toolkit provides guidance rooted in lived experience and cultural knowledge, with culturally specific information on stigma, its effects, and tips to overcome it
• a storybook that illustrates the experiences of Indigenous people living with dementia, aiming to reduce stigma and raise awareness. It highlights the barriers Indigenous individuals may face, such as racism, discrimination, and limited access to culturally safe care, while promoting meaningful, community-based solutions

Lead organization: Native Women's Association of Canada

Duration: 2020-2022

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, Indigenous-led, stigma reduction

Population focus: 2SLGBTQI+, caregivers, Indigenous populations, people living with dementia

Geographic focus: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

To access project resources:Aging and Dementia

Description: This project has produced a step-by-step playbook to guide communities to become more dementia-inclusive that is informed by activities that took place in the Ottawa region. Also available are dementia-inclusive training modules tailored for the finance, retail, health and leisure sectors. These modules are free to access and offer strategies on approaching and communicating with a person living with dementia, as well as improving the inclusiveness of both indoor and outdoor environments. The project has expanded the Dementia 613 digital application which helps users locate businesses that are dementia-inclusive in the Ottawa and Renfrew County region by including additional businesses that completed the tailored training.

Resources created during this project include:

• The Stronger Together Project Playbook
• dementia inclusive training modules including in Mandarin
• an expanded Dementia613.ca directory

Lead organization: Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, community service groups, general population, people living with dementia

Geographic focus: Ontario

To access project resources: the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County