Nova Scotians most affected by dementia will help shape the province’s first strategy that targets the illness.

Over the next four weeks, consultation sessions will be held with Nova Scotians living with some form of dementia, their care partners, and health-care providers.

The consultations will seek feedback on public awareness, early diagnosis and treatment, support for families and care partners, level of knowledge of health-care providers, co-ordinated care and research.

“For the first time, the province will have a plan to address the challenges associated with a diagnosis of dementia,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “The input we receive will help us create a strategy that helps people with dementia and their families to live well.”

“We are looking forward to connecting with communities across the province to hear what they’d like to see in the provincial strategy,” said Lloyd Brown, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia and co-chair of the dementia strategy advisory committee. “Whether you are someone living with dementia, a care partner, or a health care professional, you provide a valuable perspective which will result in a better strategy overall.”

Nova Scotians who have ideas to contribute to the dementia strategy can read a discussion paper and submit feedback at novascotia.ca/dhw/dementia .

The deadline for feedback is Nov. 14. The final dementia strategy is expected in the spring.

Source: Release