Learning through conversations: Living Stories event to explore lived experiences with rare dementia

Nipissing University and Rare Dementia Support Canada (RDS Canada) invite members of the community to campus on Tuesday, March 10, to take part in a day of conversations and art exploring rare and young onset dementia at the Living Stories: A Moment with Rare Dementia event.

This event is part of Nipissing University’s Research Month activities and will bring together families, clinicians, researchers, and students to share lived experiences, clinical insights and creative perspectives.

“This event is an incredible opportunity to better understand the family lives of those living with rare or young onset dementia,” shared Dr. Mary Pat Sullivan, Principal Lead of RDS Canada and Professor in the School of Social Work at Nipissing University. “We look forward to welcoming all individuals to Nipissing for a day of meaningful connection and discussion.”

Living Stories: A Moment with Rare Dementia will open at 10 a.m. in the Thomson Reading Room (located in the campus Library) with a session entitled “In Our Words.” Dr. Scott Russell, Chancellor at Nipissing University, will invite the audience to listen, learn, and reflect as a family shares their experiences, insights, and hopes. Clinical neurologist, Dr. Donald Weaver, will also join the conversation to offer helpful clinical perspectives.

In the Library atrium at 1 p.m., a session inspired by family life, neurodegenerative decline and support, entitled “Rare Expressions” will see young artists from St. Joseph-Scollard Hall use paint, sculpture and mixed media to reflect on what it means to stay connected across generations.

Dr. Weaver will examine the global landscape for public health solutions to prevent dementia, advancements in diagnosis and therapeutics, and innovative approaches to rehabilitation and long-term support in a session entitled “Rare and Young Onset Dementia: Perspectives in Progress”. This session will take place in the Fedeli Business Centre in the Main Building (F210) at 4 p.m.

The day will conclude in the Nipissing Theatre (F213) with a performance entitled “Piece by Piece” starting at 6 p.m. Inspired by research discoveries and conversations with people affected by rare dementia, this production explores the themes of love, support and human connection. Through voices of young performers from Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, the play invites the audience to reflect on what rare and young onset dementia means and how it is experienced within the family and across generations.

Living Stories: A Moment with Rare Dementia is a collaboration between:

·      Rare Dementia Support Canada

·      The Learning Library

·      Nipissing University’s Office of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation

·      Almaguin Highlands Secondary School

·      St. Joseph’s Scollard Hall Catholic Secondary School

For more information, visit nipissingu.ca/events/living-stories-moment-rare-dementia.