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: Caregivers, general population, paid care providers, people living with dementia

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: Caregivers, general population, paid care providers, people living with dementia

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: 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 raised community awareness and skill levels to reduce dementia-related stigma and promote inclusion of people living with dementia in Vernon, British Columbia including by contributing to the creation of an Age- and Dementia-Friendly Community Plan. This plan includes recommendations for wayfinding, safety corridors, emergency preparedness, sidewalks, parks, and social marketing to make the community as dementia-inclusive as possible. Materials created through this project are tailored to meet the needs of smaller and rural communities and can be used as a model for similar communities.

Resources created during this project include:

• an Age- and Dementia-Friendly Community Plan
• documentary videos to:
  • help reduce the stigma surrounding dementia
  • promote creating a dementia-friendly community
• social media videos that create awareness, reduce stigma, encourage active lifestyle, and overall create an inclusive and dementia-friendly community
• a Playbook for Small Local Governments that summarizes project learnings
• static image social media ads that can be accessed in the toolkit on the website

Lead organization: City of Vernon

Duration: 2023 to 2024

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, community service groups, general population, older adults, people living with dementia, rural/remote

Geographic focus: British Columbia

To access project resources: Age & Dementia Friendly Community Plan

Description: This project enabled the Forward with Dementia initiative to expand across Canada by co-designing culturally and linguistically specific resources, developing website content, and developing and implementing campaign strategies to address stigma and support quality of life for people living with dementia and caregivers within Chinese, South Asian, and Italian communities. The resources are designed to reduce stigma associated with dementia by discussing common cultural beliefs, promoting openness to conversations and support, and providing hope that people living with dementia can live fulfilling and meaningful lives. To ensure access, the resources were translated into relevant languages for each community.

Resources created during this project include:

• a webinar – Promoting Hope through Culturally-Specific Resources
• culturally-specific resources in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Italian, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, English and French
• resources for health and social care providers

Lead organization: Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging Foundation

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, community service groups, ethno-cultural minorities, 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: Following a dementia diagnosis, it’s only natural to ask questions

Description: This project developed culturally appropriate resources and hosted awareness-raising workshops on dementia and brain health for South Asian communities in the Peel region of the Greater Toronto Area. Through the organization’s multilingual ambassadors, website, and media outreach, the awareness campaign addressed culturally-specific stigma and myths surrounding dementia, while also providing evidence-based education and information. The project fostered dementia inclusivity by educating South Asian community members using culturally-sensitive resources available in multiple languages.

Resources created during this project include:

• a culturally appropriate guide to dementia care and stigma-reduction (in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, and Gujarati)
• a Navigating Dementia resource for Arabic-speaking communities, also available as a presentation
• video webinars on experiences of dementia in South Asian communities in Canada (in English, French, and Punjabi)
• a new multilingual page on the Apna website to provide general information about dementia

Lead organization: Indus Community Services

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities, stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, community service groups, ethno-cultural minorities, general population, older adults, people living with dementia

Geographic focus: Ontario

To access project resources: APNA Health Dementia

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, stigma reduction

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 created an online information hub focused on the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including topics such as identification, assessment, and management of these symptoms. This hub (Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit) provides access to resources from multiple organizations, including resources created during the project such as videos, infographics, blog posts, and posters.

Resources created during this project include:

• the Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit platform
• videos about understanding behaviours among those living with dementia, using the ABC approach, and navigating the Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit 
• infographics on topics such as: Understanding behaviours in dementia with the ABC approach and five reasons self-care is essential for care partners 

Lead organization: Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health through the Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Person-centred care

Population focus: Caregivers, 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: Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit

Description: This project expanded a successful Japanese dementia supporter (volunteer) training method to the Canadian context to enable dementia-inclusive Japanese Canadian communities, increase awareness of dementia risk factors among Japanese-speaking individuals, and reduce dementia-related stigma through intergenerational activities. Training sessions in Japanese and English were held in cities across the country. Japanese-language pamphlets were also developed and distributed to Japanese Canadian organizations across seven provinces and territories, sharing key information about dementia and available community resources.

Resources created during this project include:

• a promotional video for the training sessions 
• a Japanese-language website to share community resources, provide information about dementia, and promote the training sessions 

Lead organization: Japanese Medical Support Network in Canada

Duration: 2022 to 2024

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

Population focus: Caregivers, ethno-cultural minorities, older adults, people living with dementia, rural/remote, youth

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: Team Orange Canada (in Japanese only)

Description: This project developed evidence-based dementia guidelines and practical tools to support both healthcare providers in communicating a diagnosis of dementia, as well as those receiving a diagnosis of dementia with a focus on Chinese and Black communities. The resources produced aim to enhance confidence among family physicians, specialists and nurse practitioners when providing a diagnosis of dementia and in turn support a more positive experience for those receiving a diagnosis. To develop culturally appropriate resources, Black and Chinese community working groups were created to provide feedback on all materials created through the National Dementia Guidelines Program. Both groups were comprised of persons living with dementia, care partners, and healthcare professionals from their respective Black and Chinese communities.

Resources created during this project include:

• National Dementia Guidelines for Disclosing and Communicating a Diagnosis of Dementia and related resources 
• Dementia in the Chinese community – a video series based on stories from people living with dementia, caregivers and healthcare providers 
• Dementia in the Black community – a video series based on stories from people living with dementia, caregivers and healthcare providers 
• online learning modules for healthcare providers and community groups 

Lead organization: Alzheimer Society of Canada

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Person-centred care

Population focus: Caregivers, ethno-cultural minorities, 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: National Dementia Guidelines for disclosing a diagnosis

Description: This project adapted resources used in the MINT Memory Clinic model to deliver additional options for person-centered, culturally appropriate and culturally safe dementia care in ethnic and cultural minority communities and for Indigenous populations. This model trains teams of health care providers and clinic staff in primary care to deliver memory care through a standardized, nationally-accredited training program. During the project, 42 individuals with lived experience were engaged to inform adaptation of clinic resources. The project focused on South Asian, Indigenous, northern, Francophone, African Nova Scotian, and Chinese communities. It contributed to the development of 11 new MINT Clinics offering dementia care services in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. Outcomes of the project were shared at the Canadian Conference on Gerontology & Geriatrics 2024 and the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2025.

Resources created during this project include:

• Cultural Safety and Trauma-Informed Care handout for health care providers and clinic staff 
• Cultural Safety Resource promotional video for health care providers and clinic staff working at MINT Memory Clinics 
• a poster on the dementia care learning needs of health care providers in primary care 

Lead organization: Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Person-centred care

Population focus: Caregivers, ethno-cultural minorities, Indigenous populations, official language minorities, older adults, paid care providers, people living with dementia, rural/remote 

Geographic focus: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan

To access project resources: Clinician Resources

Description: This project developed and delivered culturally appropriate educational workshops in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Farsi to raise awareness of dementia risk factors, strategies to reduce the risk of dementia and community resources for immigrants in British Columbia. The workshop series included modules and resources on brain health and dementia risk factors such as mental health, social isolation, diet, exercise, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes. This project encouraged the adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviours with the objective of reducing and delaying dementia symptoms among individuals belonging to immigrant communities.

Resources created during this project include:

• dementia workshops in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Farsi focused on brain health, community resources for dementia, and how maintaining a healthy lifestyle and good mental health can help reduce the risk of dementia 
• educational videos in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Farsi on topics such as: learning more about dementia, how built and social environments can support inclusion of those living with dementia, and how diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of dementia 

Lead organization: S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Risk reduction (prevention)

Population focus: Ethno-cultural minorities

Geographic focus: British Columbia

To access project resources: Dementia Education for Immigrant 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 developed new bilingual resources related to dementia prevention and promoting brain health and enabled the evaluation of the effectiveness of e-learning resources on iGeriCare and the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. These resources aim to help educate about the contribution of healthy lifestyles and management of medical risk factors to brain health.

Resources created through this project include:

• 2 webinars: Promoting Brain Health - Discover How to Reduce Your Risk for Dementia and Genetics Demystified: Understand Your Risk for Dementia 
• risk reduction videos 
• an e-learning lesson related to risk reduction 
• a micro-learning email series related to risk reduction 
• a handout on 6 Ways to Promote Brain Health 
• an article about raising awareness about dementia and risk reduction 

Lead organization: McMaster University

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Risk reduction (prevention)

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: Dementia Risk Reduction

Description: This project developed an extensive evidence base on how neighbourhoods affect the mobility, participation and engagement of people living with dementia in their communities which was used to create new resources and tools to support dementia-inclusive community design. An easy-to-use tool to assess how the physical environment features of the neighbourhood impact people living with dementia was created along with planning and design guidelines. These resources are designed to be used by city planners, property developers and community-based organisations. The project also created a video and virtual exhibit to raise awareness of features of the built environment that impact people living with dementia and how people living with dementia navigate them.

Resources created during this project include:

• Dementia-Inclusive Planning and Design Guidelines (which were updated to include age-friendly community elements post-project) 
• a walkability/wheelability audit tool that assesses how easy a community or neighbourhood is to navigate 
• e-learning modules on how to create more dementia-inclusive neighbourhoods 
• five infographics, including dementia-inclusive design principles 
• a video showing how people living with dementia wayfind, feel safe, and enjoy meaningful interactions in their neighbourhoods with an accompanying discussion guide 
• a virtual exhibit that highlights built environmental features identified by study participants as notable 

Lead organization: Simon Fraser University

Duration: 2021 to 2024

Theme: Dementia-inclusive communities

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

Geographic focus: British Columbia

To access project resources: Dementia-Inclusive Streets and Community Access, Participation, and Engagement

Description: This project focused on developing a comprehensive education program to better prepare first responders to support people living with dementia. The program includes baseline education on dementia including progression of symptoms, emotion-based care interventions, and practical skills and strategies to support people living with dementia and their families/caregivers. These resources are now available for first responders in Peel Region (Ontario) to equip them with the skills to minimize emotional expressions and de-escalate situations when interacting with people living with dementia.

Resources created during this project include: 

• a training presentation to increase emotion-based care models through techniques and strategies for first responders that can be adapted for others providing care or support to people living with dementia and dementia caregivers 

Lead organization: The Regional Municipality of Peel

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Person-centred care

Population focus: Caregivers, paid care providers, people living with dementia

Geographic focus: Ontario

To access project resources: Dementia Training for First Responders (PDF, 6.1 MB)

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: This project launched a national bilingual awareness campaign, Help Us Remain, intended to strengthen supports for chosen families as primary carers and promote the acceptance and understanding of people living with dementia in Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities. Billboards and bus shelter ads in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax raised awareness about the role that 2SLGBTQI+ community members play in caring for one another, often as chosen family members. The campaign also shared positive actions that others can take to ensure that the participation and contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ people living with dementia are encouraged, supported and valued.

Resources created during this project include:

• a short film about the need for tailored and inclusive healthcare support to protect the identities and dignity of trans people living with dementia
• a webinar on the experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ people living with dementia and strategies for building a more inclusive future
• audio stories of 2SLGBTQI+ people living with dementia

Lead organization: Egale Canada

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Stigma reduction

Population focus: 2SLGBTQI+, caregivers, community service groups, older adults, 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: Egale Canada - help us Remain

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 a culturally and linguistically appropriate online platform to provide individuals living with dementia and dementia caregivers in Chinese-speaking communities with credible, evidence-based dementia information in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. This project reduced language barriers by adapting and translating high-quality dementia guidance while ensuring resources are culturally relevant and presented in user-friendly and accessible formats. Educational workshops were also provided in Cantonese and Mandarin to demonstrate how to navigate the new online resource hub.

Resources created during this project include:

• an online dementia hub that improves access to culturally appropriate dementia supports and resources in Traditional and Simplified Chinese for Chinese-speaking individuals 
• infographics about dementia:
  • Dementia in Canada (available in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese)
  • It’s never too late to reduce your risk of dementia (available in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese) 
  • Rare types of dementia (available in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese)
  • When to get an assessment (available in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese) 
  • How to get an assessment (available in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese) 

Lead organization: Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care

Duration: 2022 to 2024

Theme: Person-centred care, risk reduction (prevention)

Population focus: Caregivers, ethno-cultural minorities, 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: Dementia Guidance Resource Hub for Chinese Communities in Canada

Description: This project helped to demonstrate ways to combat stigma and increase dementia inclusiveness by fostering social relationships and a sense of belonging through guided intergenerational activities among post-secondary students, people living with dementia and caregivers. This 10-week hybrid program, delivered in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, brought together people living with dementia and students to engage in activities such as celebrating culture and languages, promoting physical well-being, and encouraging creative expression. Through post-program surveys, students shared how the program shaped their perspectives on dementia (more empathy and respect, less fear or anxiety, better understanding) and how they intend to bring this understanding to their future communities and workplaces.

Resources created during this project include:

• 20 docu-films that share an overview of the project and the experiences of people living with dementia who participated in the project, as well as student reflections 

Lead organization: Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Duration: 2021 to 2023

Theme: Stigma reduction

Population focus: Caregivers, general population, people living with dementia, youth

Geographic focus: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec

To access project resources: Open Minds, Open Hearts

Description: This project undertook a nationwide awareness-raising campaign that developed and shared multimedia materials to increase understanding of dementia, reduce dementia-related stigma and promote inclusion of those living with dementia in intergenerational settings across Canada. Consultations for the project reached service providers of intergenerational programs across the country such as family support workers, long term care providers, and early learning/childcare staff.

Resources created during this project include:

• a webinar on creating intergenerational dementia-inclusive spaces and programs, also available as a podcast episode 
• tipsheets (available on request) in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tamil, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog. Topics include:
  • creating dementia-friendly spaces for intergenerational programs 
  • developing dementia-inclusive intergenerational programs 
  • how to talk to children about dementia 
  • addressing barriers to dementia-inclusion in family programming 
  • helpful resources for intergenerational programming 
  • activities children can do with people living with dementia
• a social media toolkit for service providers of intergenerational programs 

Lead organization: Families Canada 

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, youth

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: Families Canada

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, person-centred care

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 to 2022

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

Population focus: 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