World Alzheimer’s Month 2016

Infographic World Alzheimer's Month

Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. Worldwide, an astounding 47.5 million are diagnosed. In Manitoba, there are over 22,000 people with dementia and 43% of us have a family member or close friend with the disease.September is World Alzheimer’s Month.

Map Simple Red StrokeThis is a time for action, a global movement united by its call for change, but also a time to reflect on the impact of dementia, a disease that will affect more and more people – including our own family members – as the years pass.

2016 Manitoba Initiatives

Here are some ways that you can show your support for World Alzheimer’s Month.

 

Help Create Dementia Friendly Communities

Senior woman at front doorIn a dementia friendly community, we all have a role. It could involve being more patient when someone at a checkout counter needs a few more minutes to organize their purchases. It could mean assisting someone if they appear disoriented when out for a walk. It could mean improving signage to better direct people as they enter your business.

 

Join a growing movement of individuals and workplaces who are increasing awareness and creating positive change!

Click here for more information about dementia friendly communities.

 

Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/AlzheimerSocietyManitoba

  • Check out our photo of the day.
  • Share your personal stories and let others know how your family has been touched by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
  • During the month of September, “like” us on Facebook to be entered to win two passes to our Care4u Family Conference.

 

Celebrate National Coffee Break® Day

Girl drinking coffeeStop by and make a donation to the Society in exchange for a coffee and treat.

Thursday, Sept. 15
11 am to 2 pm
Winnipeg Square (beside Scotiabank)

Click here to find out more.

 

Host a Coffee Break® Event

Facebook banner

Invite your co-workers, friends and family to join you for your own Coffee Break® event! Coffee Break® is the  Alzheimer Society’s nationwide annual fundraiser where guests are invited to  make a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee.

Click here for more information or to register online. Can’t participate? Text COFFEE to 45678 to donate $5 to the Alzheimer Society!

 

Join the Minds in Motion® Program

_MG_7716The Minds in Motion® program combines physical activity, socialization and mental stimulation for people living with early to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia to attend with a family member or community friend.

The eight-week program is offered at six Winnipeg locations, one Gimli and one Portage la Prairie location once per week for a two-hour session.

Click here for more information and a complete list of locations.

 

Become a Minds in Motion® Volunteer

_MG_7911The Minds in Motion® program is looking for volunteers for fall 2016. Click here to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a Minds in Motion® volunteer.

Attend one of our upcoming information sessions for volunteers at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Provincial Office, 10-120 Donald St. (map)

Thursday, September 8 from 2-3 pm
Wednesday, September 14
from 2-3 pm

Click here for more information or to register online.

 

Attend a Family Education Session or Workshop
Learn new skills and obtain information and resources that will help you face the daily realities of living with and caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Upcoming sessions include:

Strategies in Managing Personal Care Safely and with Dignity
This session will provide caregivers with tips that will help with personal care that are safe and enable independence for the person living with dementia. Strategies will focus on assisting with areas such as daily hygiene, bathing, toileting and dressing.

Wednesday, September 14, 7 to 8:30 pm
St. Joseph’s Residence, 1149 Leila Ave., Winnipeg (map)
Click here for more information and to register.

Living with Dementia: First Steps
J
oin us for an informational and experiential workshop for people supporting a person recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

September 17, October 15 and December 3, 9 am to 12 pm.
Riverwood Square, 1778 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg (map)
Cost: $10 per Saturday. Includes refreshments and resources.
Click here for more information or to register for Saturday, September 17.

Dementia…Answers You Need
Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, memory changes, communication and the 10 warning signs.

Wednesday, September 21, 1 – 3 pm
Peguis First Nation – Community Hall
Peguis, MB
To register and for more information, contact Jackie Dokken at 204-268-4752 or alzne@alzheimer.mb.ca.

The Alzheimer Journey: Navigating the Road Ahead
Four-part Video Series

Tuesdays, Sept. 27 to Oct. 18, 7 to 8:30 pm
Niverville Friendship Centre, 118 2nd Ave., Niverville

Wednesdays, Sept. 28 to Oct. 19, 7 to 8:30 pm
Pat Porter Active Living Centre, 10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach

To register and for more information, contact: Leona Doerksen at 204-326-5771 or alzse@alzheimer.mb.ca.

Sign up for Experiencing Dementia

Dementia impacts individuals, families and communities. Our eight-week Experiencing Dementia program unites families and community members with individuals who are experiencing the early stages of dementia.

Topics include: understanding the disease progression, effective communication skills, changing behaviours, coping strategies, options in community living and community resources.

Interviews take place this September for next session starting Oct. 5 and ending Nov. 23. Email client support at alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca for more information.

 

Register for a Telehealth Session (for regional communities only):
The Alzheimer Society offers Family Education for those experiencing dementia in regional communities across the province through the video technology of Manitoba Telehealth.

Join us from 6:30 to 8 pm on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 25: Steps to Safety: Falls Prevention
Tuesday, November 29: Transitioning to Long-term Care

Click here for a list of locations and to register online.

 

Challenge your brain at the Alzheimer Society Trivia Challenge
Cog Wheels New Pink
Gather your friends, family and co-workers and get your cogs turning for a fun night of trivia and a little friendly competition! Teams of 10 will compete in 10 fast-paced rounds of brain bending trivia for the title of Grand Champion!

Tuesday, October 18
6:30 – 10:30 pm
Club Regent Casino Event Centre
Registration Fee $30

Click here for more information or to register online.

 

 

Attend Care4u Family Conference
Register today for the fifth annual Care4u family conference – a day of learning for family and friends caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

Caring For Elderly MotherSaturday, October 29
9 am – 3:30 pm
Canadian Mennonite University – 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. (map)

Click here for more information or to register online.

 

 

Join us for a Globally Coordinated World Alzheimer Month

Dementia exists in your country, in your province and in your community. It knows no boundaries.

It not only affects the person themselves, but also impacts  families, caregivers, communities and societies on a local, national and international scale.

Having a globally coordinated World Alzheimer Month sends a strong message to governments and policy makers, alerting them of the fact that dementia is a serious health issue which will have serious implications on services and health systems around the world as the population grows older.

We hope you join us here in Manitoba to raise awareness about dementia and the programs and services available for families at the Alzheimer Society.

 

Remember Me:

If you are living with dementia:

2 HeadsRemember that you are not alone. It is possible to live well with dementia by seeking help and support from your family, friends, doctor, health and social workers and from the Alzheimer association in your country. You have a right to feel empowered and listened to, and to be treated as an individual.

If you are a caregiver:

Caring HandsRemember that caring for someone with dementia is a challenging task. However, it is easier to cope if you make sure you look after yourself too, taking care of your own physical and mental health needs. This will make a big difference to the wellbeing for both you and the person you are caring for.

As a society:

Paper ChainRemember that people living with dementia and their caregivers can often feel isolated, so we need to do more to tackle this stigma. Dementia Friendly Communities are being established all over the world to educate people about dementia and to provide stronger, community-based support networks for people living with dementia, caregivers and families.

As an individual:

HeartRemember that leading a healthy lifestyle may help to reduce your risk of developing dementia later in life. The general rule is what’s good for the heart is good for the brain, so both should be well looked after with a balanced diet and regular physical and mental exercise. Much of what’s needed are simple activities you can do in your day to day life.

As a government:

GovernmantRemember that developing a national dementia plan will help your country to deal with the growing impact of dementia’s rising prevalence and cost. These plans help to increase national awareness and education about dementia and can improve access to diagnosis, treatment and care, promoting a better quality of life for people living
with dementia.