February 2017 eNewsletter


In This Issue

Volunteering at Minds in Motion®: A Win-Win Situation!
Teepa Snow Set to Educate and Inspire
eNews Survey Results: Thank You for Letting Us Know What You Think!
Building Dementia Friendly Communities: Are Your Print Materials Dementia Friendly?
Spotlight on Research: Cumulative Effects of Multiple Ministrokes May Contribute to Cognitive Impairment
Call for Research Participants: Would You Like to Improve the Supports for Caregivers in Your Community?
MedicAlert® Safely Home®: It’s There When You Need It
Upcoming Education
Upcoming Support Groups
Upcoming Events
Anything for Alzheimer’s

MudRun
Step out of your comfort zone and test your physical strength on a 10km trail run with more than 25 obstacles to overcome. REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY, MARCH 3rd at NOON!

Cost to register:

  • Opening Day Bird – $60 (March 3rd @ Noon to March 6th @ Midnight)
  • Early Bird – $70 (March 7th to April 31st @ Midnight)
  • Standard Bird – $80 (May 1st to June 30th @ Midnight)
  • Just-in-Time Bird – $90 (July 1st to August 1st @ Midnight)

After you have registered with Manitoba MudRun (registration opens March 3rd @ noon), go the extra mile in your fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and GET DIRTY for dementia! Click here to become a MudRun Warrior, create your own webpage and raise funds conveniently online.

When you cross that finish line, not only will you have accomplished an amazing personal feat… you will have helped make a difference in the lives of families living with dementia.

Volunteering at Minds in Motion®: A Win-Win Situation!

Mila 3x3Mila Panaskevich has found a win-win volunteer situation in Minds in Motion®, a program offered through the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Minds in Motion is the only community program currently available in Manitoba for people with early to moderate symptoms of dementia to attend with a family member or community friend. For volunteers like Mila, a psychology grad, it offers a stimulating and enriching opportunity where they can share their skills while learning more about how families who are affected by dementia can continue to live full lives.

Mila volunteered in the fall 2016 session at the Wellness Institute,  one of the six locations in Winnipeg, along with one in Portage la Prairie, that offers winter, spring and fall sessions. The eight-week program runs once a week for two hours, offering physical activity, mentally stimulating games and socialization opportunities for participants.

Minds in Motion gave Mila the chance to garner hands-on knowledge about working with people with dementia and their care partners. At the same time, program participants benefitted from Mila’s personal experience: she has helped to care for her grandfather, now in the late stages of dementia, since he began his journey with the disease six years ago.

Sharing Personal Experience

“It was difficult to watch Grandpa progress and to see how hard it was for Grandma,” says Mila, who is investigating post degree program options in the health care field. “My aunt did a lot of the personal care at home, and we all helped with daily things. I learned how much effort is required for caregivers and how stressful it can be for the family.”

Mila wishes that her grandparents had been able to participate in Minds in Motion, which was not available at the time. (Her grandmother passed away recently, and her grandfather, whom she visits regularly, now resides in a care home.) When she found out what the program was all about, she jumped at the chance to help others in similar circumstances as what she had experienced.

She starts her volunteer shift by greeting people when they first arrive and helping them to settle in. During all the activities, she tries to connect with everyone and makes sure that participants understand the instructions.

“I can really empathize with the caregivers. I am aware that they may be having a hard time accepting the stage their partner is in, but during Minds in Motion, they can relax for a while and let their family member participate on their own,” says Mila. “I feel I can help in many ways because I’ve been there with my grandpa.”

Mila looks forward to continuing to help others and plans to volunteer again during the spring session. She is quick to point out that working with Minds in Motion has influenced her decision to strive towards a career in geriatrics. “There are so many benefits from volunteering. I can help others, and I can find out more about myself,” she says.

It’s definitely a win-win situation!

Become a Minds in Motion® Volunteer!

Join us for a 60-minute session that provides information about the rewarding opportunities of becoming a Minds in Motion program volunteer. Click here to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a volunteer. You can attend the following upcoming sessions at Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Provincial Office, 10-120 Donald St. (map) in person or by teleconference.

Wednesday, March 1 from 2 to 3 pm
Thursday, March 9 from 10 to 11 am

Click here to register.

 

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Teepa Snow Set to Educate and Inspire

teepa-3x3The participants of this year’s Dementia Care Conference (now sold out) and Family Night are in for a treat. Teepa Snow, one of the world’s leading educators for those who care for someone living with dementia, will use her unique and entertaining methods to spark the attention of every listener.

Teepa wants people to understand what it feels like to live with the challenges and changes that come with dementia. To help her audience “see it from the other side,” she demonstrates and models the struggles of all parties during interactions with people with dementia. She shows her audiences how they can alter their care practices to complement the abilities of people living with the disease.

Teepa explains that dementia is a “constantly moving target.” Brain changes happen second to second over a period of months or years, and these changes affect the way the person sees the world. She asks care partners – whether they be family members, friends or professionals – to change with them.

Using common scenarios, Teepa acts out incidents from the perspective of the person with dementia.

Here’s an example. A woman with dementia approaches a staff member or family care partner in her care home and says, “I want to go home right now.” A common response to this statement might be, “You can’t go home right now.” In turn, the woman may become angry and continue to demand to go home.

Teepa would argue that the woman’s angry response is normal. Who wouldn’t get angry if told they can’t go home? In this case, due to changes caused by dementia, the woman does not understand why she can’t go home.

Instead of putting up a roadblock to the woman’s request – which is likely to turn the situation into an argument – Teepa suggests a different approach. The care provider could engage with the woman by saying, “You have lots to do at home, don’t you?” thus starting a conversation and providing a diversion.

Of course, each interaction is different, but the point is for care partners to do things with the person rather than trying to get them to do or not do something, or arguing about it. It is the care partner’s responsibility to adjust to the needs of the person with dementia as they journey together.

About Teepa Snow

Teepa Snow has a wealth of experience working with people with dementia. She was an occupational therapist for over 30 years and has a Master of Science degree from the University of North Carolina. She developed Positive Approach® to Care techniques and training materials, which are used around the world by families and professionals working or living with people with dementia or other brain changes.

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is thrilled that Teepa accepted the invitation to be keynote speaker and presenter at this year’s conference. Topics she will cover include Best Practices in Dementia Care: Learning to Give Care with Ease and Emotions, Health, Mealtime, Environment, Recreation: They All Matter!

Dementia Care 2017
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Monday & Tuesday, March 6 & 7
8:30 am to 4:30 pm (registration opens at 8 am)
Canad Inns, Polo Park
1405 St. Matthews Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
Click here or call 204-943-6622 for more information.

Family Night with Teepa Snow
Monday, March 6
7 to 8:30 pm
Canad Inns, Polo Park
1405 St. Matthews Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
Click here to register for Family Night.
Click here for the Teepa Snow Family Night poster.

 

Click here for map showing Canad Inns, Polo Park.

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eNews Survey Results:
Thank You for Letting Us Know What You Think!

computer-with-news3x2The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba wants to continue providing you with relevant, educational and helpful information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in this monthly eNewsletter. To find out if we are hitting the mark, we conducted a survey in our November and December 2016 editions. Almost 100 readers took the time to answer the 16 survey questions.

First, a big THANK YOU to all who responded!

Second, we’d like to share some of the positive feedback we received. Here are a few highlights:

  • An overwhelming majority of respondents agree that our eNewsletters offer interesting and relevant topics and are easy to read.
  • About 70% think the caregiver information is practical and useful, while 84% think it is important to include stories and information about current dementia research topics.
  • When asked how they would rate the overall value of the eNews, 95% of respondents were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied.”

In an open-ended question, respondents were asked for input regarding what they would like to see covered, and lots of good ideas were presented for us to consider. In the “Additional Feedback” section, comments were positive, such as: “It keeps me up to date…,” “…it is easy to glance through to see what is of interest to me…” and “Keep up the much needed information!”

We take all of your feedback seriously, and we pledge to continue to provide high quality, useful information. We will delve into your ideas, so watch for future articles that will reflect the interests of our readers!

 

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Building Dementia Friendly Communities:
Are Your Print Materials Dementia Friendly?

Newspaper-3x3Whether you’re a business, community agency or social club, you want to serve your clients and members well. Keeping written messages clear and easy to understand will make them more user friendly for people with dementia and other community members.

Tips for making written material more dementia friendly include:

  • Be direct and specific.
  • Use active voice.
  • Limit the number of key points.
  • Place key points at the beginning of the article.
  • Support information with real examples and relatable stories.
  • Use large type and clear fonts on a contrasting background.
  • Use pictures to help illustrate information.
  • Break lengthy documents into short sections or paragraphs.
  • Avoid jargon.
  • Offer a manageable number of action steps.

Take a few minutes to check your business’s or club’s next newsletter or email for dementia friendliness. Adapting your approach will help readers better understand your message and meet their needs for information.

Everyone can play a part in promoting the independence, value and inclusion of people impacted by dementia in the community. To learn about how your community group can become more inclusive and to arrange for a dementia friendly community presentation, contact Catherine Kaufmann at 204-943-6622 ext. 217 or email dementiafriendly@alzheimer.mb.ca

 

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Spotlight on Current Research

Brain-3x3Cumulative Effects of Multiple Ministrokes May Contribute to Cognitive Impairment

A study, led by researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, investigated the effects of cortical microinfarcts (also known as “ministrokes”) on the structure and function of the brain area surrounding the ministroke location. The study, using a mouse model, blocked blood vessels that supplied the mouse brain cortex.

Results show that brain activity was significantly diminished beyond the core area where the ministroke took place. The affected area was estimated to be at least 12-times greater in volume than the core itself. It was also observed that the brain activity in the affected area remained partially depressed for 14 to 17 days after the ministroke, suggesting that the widespread effects are also long-lasting.

The cumulative effects of multiple ministokes in the brain may contribute to long-term damage. The damage can then affect cognitive functioning and potentially contribute to lowering the threshold for cognitive impairment in individuals who may have brain changes consistent with Alzheimer’s disease.

The study was limited to one area of the brain. Further studies will help better understand the effects of ministrokes in other areas of the brain and their impact on brain functions.

Preventing ministrokes is a vital health strategy. Knowing your risk factors and living healthfully are steps that everyone can take. Good practices include limiting intake of saturated fats and sodium, managing high blood pressure and diabetes, and exercising regularly.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about these health strategies and other ways to be proactive about your brain health.

To read a news article about the study, check this link: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315265.php

 

You Can be a Research Participant!
Would You Like to Improve the Supports Available to Caregivers in Your Community?

shopping 3x3You are invited to participate in a study that will explore your experiences as a caregiver of someone with dementia. Specifically, the study will look at how you are able to access and use community resources that are available to help you in your caregiver journey. It will investigate how to bridge the gaps between caregivers and community supports.

Taking place in both Winnipeg and in Westchester County, New York, the study is recruiting individuals 18 years and older who care for an individual with dementia. Participants will be asked to fill in a confidential survey that will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. If you choose, you can also participate in the second stage of the study, which includes a 45 to 60 minute one-on-one interview conducted by the lead researcher or one of her team members.

The researcher conducting this study is Marlene George, who completed her B.N. at the University of Manitoba. She is currently completing her Master of Arts in Health Advocacy at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. If you have any questions, please contact Marlene at mgeorge@gm.slc.edu

Click here to for information or to sign up for participation in this study.

Thank you!

 

MedicAlert® Safely Home®:
It’s There When You Need It!

tipslogoMedicAlert® Safely Home® is a nationwide program designed to help identify a person with dementia who is lost and assist in a safe return home. Members receive an engraved bracelet that allows responders to quickly identify the person and bring the family back together.

However, for many reasons, a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia might be hesitant about receiving the services of such programs, even though safety may be a concern.

 

Here are some tips that may help encourage the person to access the program:

Have a conversation. Talk with the person about their hesitancy to have a MedicAlert® Safely Home® bracelet. Let them know that you hear what they’re saying.

Involve the person in the process. Research and discuss the benefits of using the service together. Read stories about people who have the bracelet and how it has been beneficial for the person with dementia and their family.

Emphasize prevention. Inform the person that a MedicAlert® Safely Home® bracelet may prevent unnecessary risks that could occur if the person were to leave their home and become disoriented. Knowing that help is available can encourage the person with dementia to be more confident in their day-to-day activities.

Ask a trusted professional. Discuss the risk for becoming lost with the person’s doctor or health care provider. Encourage the doctor or health care provider to validate the usefulness of the program to the person with dementia.

Give the bracelet as a present. Have a niece, nephew, grandchild or friend give the MedicAlert® Safely Home® bracelet to the person with dementia as a gift. This will show the person that those around them value their safety and, as a result, may increase the likelihood that they will wear the bracelet.

If you would like more information about the program, please click to download the MedicAlert® Safely Home® brochure, or contact the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba at 204-943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699 (toll-free).

 

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Upcoming Education

FAMILY EDUCATION

Family Education: Next Steps
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:

Dialogue with a Physician
Do you have questions about dementia – the risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, progression, treatment and caregiving? Bring these questions and join us for an open discussion of topics relevant to the care of people with dementia.
Wednesday, February 15
7 to 8:30 pm
Lindenwood Terrace, 490 Lindenwood Dr. E. (Just across from Lindenwood Manor) (map)
Click here to register.

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

WINNIPEG
Part Two
Saturday, February 25, 9 am to 12 pm

• Safety for the person with dementia and their caregivers
• Family perspectives
• Legal and financial matters
Session is located at River Ridge II Retirement Residence, 2701 Scotia St. (map)
Cost: $10 (includes refreshments and resources)
Click here to register.
STEINBACH
One Day Workshop 
Saturday, February 25, 9 am to 3:30 pm

• Understanding dementia from a medical, family and individual perspective
• Legal and financial considerations
• Helpful community resources…and more!
Session is located at Pat Porter Active Living Centre – Fireside Room (map)
10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, MB
Cost: $20 (includes lunch, refreshments and resources)
To register, contact Leona Nikkel at 204-326-5771 or alzse@alzheimer.mb.ca
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Two Day Workshop –
 Monday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 14, 6:15 to 9 pm
• Understanding dementia from a medical, family and individual perspective
• Legal and financial considerations
• Helpful community resources…and more!
Session is located at St. Mary’s Anglican Church Parish Hall, 32 2nd St. (map)
Cost: $20 (includes refreshments and resources)
To register, contact Karen Lambert at 204-239-4898 or alznc@alzheimer.mb.ca
GIMLI
One Day Workshop 
Saturday, March 18, 9 am to 3 pm

• Understanding dementia from a medical, family and individual perspective
• Legal and financial considerations
• Helpful community resources…and more!
Session is located at Gimli Health Centre, MPR Room, 120-6th Ave. (map)
Cost: $20 (includes refreshments and resources)
To register, contact Jackie Dokken at 204-268-4752 or alzne@alzheimer.mb.ca

Telehealth Sessions (for regional communities only)
The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba offers family education for those experiencing dementia in over 45 communities across the province via video technology. Join us from 6:30 to 8 pm on designated evenings. Dates and topics for winter sessions will soon be listed on our website.
Click here for a list of locations where Telehealth is offered.

Community Mental Health: Roles & Services
Tuesday, February 21
6:30 to 8 pm (please arrive by 6:15 pm)

Understanding Psychoses and Anxiety in Dementia
Tuesday, March 21
6:30 to 8 pm (please arrive by 6:15 pm)

Food and Nutrition: Understanding a Person’s Needs as Dementia Progresses
Tuesday, April 25
6:30 to 8 pm (please arrive by 6:15 pm)

Click here to register.

Minds in Motion® Program
Space is still available in some of the winter Minds in Motion program sessions, which take place at six Winnipeg locations and in Portage la Prairie. This popular eight-week program combines physical activity, socialization and mental stimulation for people living with early to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia to enjoy with a family member or community friend.

Click here to check out our listing of community locations for winter dates, times and registration information.

Minds in Motion® Volunteer Info Sessions

Join us for a 60-minute session that provides information about the rewarding opportunities of becoming a Minds in Motion program volunteer. Click here to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a volunteer. You can attend the following upcoming sessions at Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Provincial Office, 10-120 Donald St. (map) in person or by teleconference.

Wednesday, March 1 from 2 to 3 pm
Thursday, March 9 from 10 to 11 am

Click here to register.

Family Night with Teepa Snow
Join us for Family Night, featuring renowned Dementia Educator Teepa Snow. You will learn ways to create moments of joy through meaningful activities when caring for a person with dementia.

Monday, March 6, 2017
7 to 8:30 pm
Canad Inns Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthews Ave. (map)
Click here to register. Space is limited. Please pre-register.
Click here for the Teepa Snow Family Night poster.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor:

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UPCOMING SUPPORT GROUPS

Check with your group facilitator or the regional office nearest you to learn more about the date and time of the next group meeting. The Alzheimer Society’s family support staff are here to help – contact us at alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca, 204-943-6622 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-378-6699 (in Manitoba).
Click here for information on Support Groups for People with Dementia
Click here for information on Support Groups for Family and Friends

 

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PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

dementia-care-logo

Featuring Teepa Snow
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Join us in enlightening and in-depth discussions of best practices in dementia care.
Monday and Tuesday, March 6 & 7, 2017
Canad Inns Polo Park (map)

Thanks to our sponsors:

Dementia Care SponsorsJan2017

 

Upcoming Events


Personal Page
Step out of your comfort zone and test your physical strength on Saturday, August 12 in Dauphin, MB for a 10km trail run with more than 25 obstacles to overcome. REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY, MARCH 3rd at NOON!

Cost to register:

  • Opening Day Bird – $60 (March 3rd @ Noon to March 6th @ Midnight)
  • Early Bird – $70 (March 7th to April 31st @ Midnight)
  • Standard Bird – $80 (May 1st to June 30th @ Midnight)
  • Just-in-Time Bird – $90 (July 1st to August 1st @ Midnight)

After you have registered with Manitoba MudRun, go the extra mile in your fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and GET DIRTY for dementia! Click here to become a MudRun Warrior, create your own webpage and raise funds conveniently online.

When you cross that finish line, not only will you have accomplished an amazing personal feat… you will have helped make a difference in the lives of families living with dementia.

 

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Anything for Alzheimer’s

Help make a difference in your community and plan your own fundraiser to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Click here to visit the Anything for Alzheimer’s website for event ideas, fundraising tips and tools for planning, promoting and hosting your event.

Below is one Anything for Alzheimer’s activity currently underway:

The Posy Project
Post Project 3x3Two young women from Winnipeg have initiated The Posy Project to raise awareness and support for the Alzheimer Society. They are delivering flowers, donated by local florists, to personal care homes throughout the city. If you would like to support this project, click here to make a donation to the Alzheimer Society. For more information, contact Heather or Sydney at hlyak@mymts.net

 

 

We hope you enjoy our February 2017 eNewsletter!

email-buttonIf you know someone who could benefit from the stories and information you see in this eNewsletter, please email them this link: alzheimer.mb.ca/ Click here to subscribe and receive future updates.

Thank you for reading!

 

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