Neurocognitive disorders: an issue still not well understood in Quebec

Neurocognitive disorders: an issue still not well understood in Quebec

Neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, affect many people in Quebec, yet they remain poorly understood by most of the population. A Léger survey conducted for the Fédération québécoise des Sociétés Alzheimer reveals that 61% of Quebecers feel they are poorly informed or not informed at all about these disorders.

Even though 26% know someone personally living with a neurocognitive disorder (NCD), the functions affected—such as memory, attention, and judgment—are only partially understood. Moreover, 82% are now aware that these disorders do not only affect people aged 65 and over, but this awareness is not enough.

The survey shows that 77% believe that people living with an NCD are often misunderstood, and only 14% think that society is ready to interact appropriately with them. For businesses, the situation is similar: few are prepared to support these individuals, yet 70% of respondents believe they should be more involved, and 62% feel that workplace training would be beneficial.

According to Sylvie Grenier, Executive Director of the FQSA, it is possible to build more inclusive and caring living and working environments through information, training, and awareness. The goal: to help Quebecers better understand, support, and include people living with neurocognitive disorders.