A Canadian awareness campaign called Faces of Dementia is using an interactive art exhibit to challenge the stigma that people with dementia often face in their communities.

The exhibit features contributions from seven individuals with different forms of dementia. Each features video and imagery centered around the message “I am more.” The contributions share personal experiences of the seven campaign members to illustrate what life with dementia is truly like.

Members of the campaign spoke to the Peterborough Examiner, sharing their personal experiences and why they felt it was important to challenge the stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis.

Andrea Bridge, a former educational assistant, was initially misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at 48 before receiving an FTD diagnosis at age 54. Able to ride a unicycle since age 3, Bridge first began to notice something was wrong when riding suddenly became difficult.

“You kind of go through all of the stages that anybody does when they have some devastating news. Like grief and feeling sorry for yourself,” Bridge said. “Well, life keeps going and there is no set-in-stone progression. I first thought I was going to go downhill so quickly and I keep going and going. But it’s certainly handicapped me. I can’t work anymore.”

The stigma that comes with a dementia diagnosis can add to the disease’s feelings of isolation, as loved ones may withdraw, finding the topic too uncomfortable to discuss. However, Bridge says that eliminating the stigma is essential to help people with dementia remain a part of their community after diagnosis.

“People still want to be involved and be out there doing things. I just want people to realize that the world doesn’t stop with that diagnosis, that you are still a participant in life,” Bridge said.

You can find more information about Faces of Dementia by visiting the campaign’s website.

In addition to helping raise awareness, art can be used therapeutically to improve and enrich the quality of life of someone with FTD. For more information, watch this AFTD Educational Webinar on art and music therapy.