Research improves equal access to community supports

Returning to in-person experiences in February: for more information. The DREAM project equips wellness advocates with training and resources to provide inclusive services for people living with dementia  A group of researchers from the University of Waterloo is providing community partners with training and resources to support people living with dementia. The research project, Dementia Resources for Eating, Activity and Meaningful Inclusion (DREAM) , aims to improve knowledge and attitudes around physical activity, healthy diet and inclusive programming.  "Instead of specialized programs for people living with dementia, our resources aim to give current wellness providers, such as exercise instructors, dieticians and those who provide cultural, religious or other community programming, the ability to adapt their current services to be more inclusive," says Laura Middleton, a Kinesiology and Health Sciences professor who leads the project. January marks Alzheimer's Awareness Month and according to the  Alzheimer Society of Canada , over 500 thousand Canadians are currently living with dementia. That number is expected to increase to 912 thousand by 2030. Women make up 70 per cent of people affected by Alzheimer's disease.   "People living with dementia have a right to benefit from health care and rehabilitation through exercise and support for healthy eating, and to participate in recreational and leisure activities in their communities," says Middleton. "This is a right supported by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability."  The DREAM project is co-led by Middleton and Heather Keller, another Kinesiology and Health Sciences professor.