Right now there are about 19,000 people living in Saskatchewan who suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia, and by the year 2038, that number is expected to double.

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Canada and represents a time to increase public awareness of a disease that affects 10 people every 24 hours in Saskatchewan alone.

Joanne Michael, Director of Programs & Operations at the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, says being diagnosed with the disease is serious, but nothing anyone should feel ashamed of.

"The Alzheimer Society did a survey of Canadians that revealed that almost 50% of Canadians wouldn't want others to know that they have dementia. Living with dementia or experiencing the warning signs isn't something anyone should be ashamed of."

"When we think about people who are living with dementia, because of the stigma associated with it, we tend to think of people who are living in long term care, who require assistance with all activities of daily living."

The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is holding an Understanding Dementia telehealth conference Tuesday evening from 7-9. For more information or to register, visit alzheimer.ca/sk