There are currently 55 million people living with dementia worldwide1. In Canada, about 600,000 people are living with dementia and that number is expected to reach 1.7 million by 2050.

It is likely that you know, support, or will interact with a person living with dementia. Many people living with dementia experience stigma, meaning that others may hold negative attitudes or beliefs about them because they have dementia. When dementia is not well understood by family members, friends, or the community, stigma about dementia can spread and even lead to discrimination. Understanding dementia and having the skills to confidently engage with and support people impacted by dementia helps to create spaces and communities where everyone feels safe.

Living the Dementia Journey for Young Adults is a free, evidence-informed, three-hour, online course, specifically designed with input from young adults and people living with dementia. Whether you are looking to gain valuable skills for a co-op or volunteer position, prepare for future employment and career goals, or simply improve your understanding of dementia and how it impacts those around you, Living the Dementia Journey for Young Adults has something to offer.

Living the Dementia Journey for Young Adults was adapted from the award-winning LIVING the Dementia Journey program, created by the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP) for those who support people living with dementia. The Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program operated at the University of Waterloo for more than 20 years before transitioning to the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) in 2018.