By Brady Bateman

Alzheimer’s disease and awareness

Jan 23, 2019 | 4:00 PM

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and with it the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is hosting several events to raise awareness and support those affected by the disease.

Laura Erickson, first link coordinator with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, said the importance of this month is showing those affected by the disease that they have a support system with members focused on fundraising and awareness.

“I think it’s because unless you’re impacted by this disease, people often try to just ignore,” Erickson said.

“The awareness month is to say ‘Hey, this is happening to people.’ I think it’s something like 19,000 people in Saskatchewan that are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. By 2038 it’s going to be something like 28,000.”

Several events are scheduled in the community in coordination with Alzheimer’s awareness month. One event is an education opportunity called Understanding Dementia to learn about risk factors, warning signs, and steps to take after receiving a diagnosis.

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Understanding Dementia will feature a guest speaker, to inform the general public and families of those affected by Alzheimer’s, of ways to live with the disease. Erickson said Dr. Marla Davidson, a geriatric psychiatrist from Saskatoon will broadcast the session via telehealth.

The free event occurs each month. Participants are encouraged to pre-register.

As well, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s will take place on Jan. 27, with all funds raised going toward local programs and services.

“You can still register for the walk at www.walkforalzheimerssask.ca. It will be like the old-fashioned walkathons, with registrants raising money by participating, although you don’t have to raise money to walk,” Erickson said. “When people walk they make memories matter, and it sends a great message of hope to those who are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

Another upcoming event, reserved specifically for those suffering from dementia and their caretaker, is Minds in Motion.

“Minds in Motion is an eight-week, physical activity, social gathering time, and mental stimulation program where the person with dementia brings a partner with them to enjoy an activity together,” Joanne Michael, director of programs and operations with the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan, said. “That is being held Thursdays Feb. 7 to March 26, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Alfred Jenkins Field House. Registration for that event can be done through the field house.”

Michael also stressed the importance of this year’s awareness month theme: I have dementia. Let me help you understand.

“Having opportunities like these, is a way for community members to come out and learn more about what someone with dementia may be experiencing. It’s also a great opportunity if they think the, themselves, or someone they know might be experiencing some of the warning signs,” Michael said. “Programs such as Minds in Motion are so important because a lot of people with dementia have problems engaging in community events, and there isn’t always a lot of opportunity for programming for people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. So this is an opportunity for them to socialize with people who are in a similar circumstance.”

Michael added that nearly 50 per cent of people know someone who is affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia.

If you believe someone you know may be experiencing the warning signs of dementia, you are encouraged to contact the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan.

brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TheDigitalBirdy