September is World Alzheimer’s Month
The more we learn about and understand dementia, the better prepared we can be to care for the growing number of Manitobans impacted by the disease. In Manitoba, there are more than 19,600 people who live with dementia. Creating awareness is the first step to fighting stigma, reinforcing human rights, and pushing for policy change, as well as other actions that can lift up those living with dementia.
This World Alzheimer’s Month, we’re encouraging all Manitobans to learn the signs of dementia and understand the importance of getting a diagnosis. Whether you’re concerned for yourself, or someone you care about, knowing the signs of dementia can help you get an early diagnosis. The earlier you seek a diagnosis, the sooner you can connect with us to access dementia-friendly programming, support groups, one-to-one counselling and helpful information for navigating the road ahead.
Stay up-to-date with our upcoming events, webinars, programming and more by following the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. Share your personal stories this World Alzheimer’s Month and let others know about the support you or your family have received from the Society or community. Make sure to post your photos to social media, tag us and use the hashtag #WAM2024 so we can support you!
Check out our full World Alzheimer’s Month page here!
Care4u 2024: Building Confidence for Day-to-Day Care
Our annual Care4u Family Conference is fast approaching! This year’s conference, Building Confidence for Day-to-Day Care, features a wide range of topics aimed at helping care partners build on their daily skills and strategies for caring for someone living with dementia.
The conference will kick off with our morning opening presentation, “Go with the flow. Step into their world.” where keynote speakers, partners Karen Stobbe and Mondy Carter, will explore how simple adjustments in the way we communicate can be an effective technique when supporting someone living with dementia.
Karen and Mondy have backgrounds in acting and improvisation and have applied these skills in their over 20 years of personal caregiving experience. Karen switched her career from theatre and improvisation to healthcare when her dad, Manfred, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Just one year after her dad passed away, Karen’s mom Virginia, was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
While caring for her dad, Karen was surprised by the similarities between improvisational acting and supporting someone living with dementia. She drew from her theatre expertise and created a workshop and training guide for care partners of people living with dementia based on improvisation. Together, Karen and Mondy have dedicated their time to educating others through shows, presentations and programs about using improvisation to break through conventional caregiving techniques.
Karen and Mondy have been featured in Real Simple magazine, NPR’s This American, Life and performed a National TEDMED Talk. Karen was also the co-creator of the Hand in Hand Training program for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which was distributed to every nursing home in the U.S.
To hear more about Karen and Mondy’s personal experiences caring for parents living with dementia and strategies for incorporating improvisation as a communication approach into day-to-day caregiving, register today for the Care4u conference.
Care4u Family Conference 2024
Building Confidence for Day-to-Day Care
Saturday, October 19, 2024
9 am – 3:30 pm
Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
1808 Wellington Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Cost: $50 (includes a hot lunch and resources)
Learn more and register now at alzheimer.mb.ca/care4u
This event is sponsored by:
Spotlight on Local Research: Connecting the Dots
Join us on Thursday, September 19 from 6 – 7:30 pm for our free, in-person public education event, “Spotlight on Local Research: Connecting the Dots” at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (CCFM), 340 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg, – with live streaming in-person events happening in select Brandon, Selkirk, Steinbach and Winkler locations.
During this event, you’ll hear from local researchers, Dr. Ashish Shah, Dr. Zahra Moussavi and Dr. Brian Lithgow, about their areas of study and learn how cardiovascular disease, the vestibular system and virtual reality are linked to dementia and brain health research.
Check out the bios below to learn more about our three featured researches.
Dr. Ashish Shah
Dr. Shah began his medical studies in Ahmedabad, India, where he received a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and an MD in Internal Medicine. He later obtained “Doctor in Medicine” (MD-Research) from the King’s College London in the UK. He’s additionally completed fellowships at Toronto General Hospital.
After working as an interventional cardiologist in the Manchester Royal Infirmary, one of the largest European Adult Congenital Heart Disease centres, he moved to Winnipeg as an interventional cardiologist, where he works as a clinician-scientist. His research interest and clinical expertise are in the field of hemodynamic evaluation and structural–congenital heart disease interventions.
During the Research Forum, Dr. Shah will speak about heart disease as a risk factor for cognitive impairment.
Dr. Zahra Moussavi
Dr. Moussavi is a professor, a Canada Research Chair Tier I, and the founder and former director of Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program at the University of Manitoba. Her current research focuses on medical device instrumentation and signal analysis for sleep apnea management and Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment using virtual reality.
She is the recipient of several awards including the “2018 Technical Excellence Award,” Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, “Canada’s Most Powerful Women (Top 100)” and “Manitoba Distinguished Women.”
At the Research Forum, you can hear Dr. Moussavi speak about her work with virtual reality and how it improves quality of life for people living with dementia.
Dr. Brian Lithgow
Dr. Lithgow is recognized for his work on vestibular, respiratory and acoustic signal processing and its application to cochlear implants and disease detection, including the detection of dementia.
He has published more than 181 publications including five patents, six books, 75 peer-reviewed full journal papers, eight journal abstracts, 71 peer-reviewed conference papers and 14 abstracts. He has also given many invited talks at national and international conferences.
During the Research Forum, Dr. Lithgow will share how the vestibular system (inner ear) can help differentiate between the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Click the button below to register now for Spotlight on Local Research: Connecting the Dots – seats are filling up fast!
This event is supported by:
We’re Hiring! Check Out Our Available Positions
Come join our growing team! The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is currently hiring for multiple positions, including Client Support Coordinators, a First Link® Community Coordinator and Minds in Motion® Fitness Leaders. If you think you’d be a good fit for one of these positions, check out the full job postings at the following links. We invite all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Minds in Motion Program Facilitator (will remain open until positions are filled)
Client Support Coordinator job posting (will remain open until positions are filled)
First Link Community Coordinator job posting (will remain open until the position is filled)
Minds in Motion Fitness Leaders job posting (will remain open until positions are filled)
Call for Minds in Motion® Volunteers!
Are you looking for a way to get out into the community and make a difference? We’re looking for volunteers to help facilitate Minds in Motion® programs in their community! As a Minds in Motion® volunteer, you will:
– Learn to facilitate recreational programs for adults of varied ability
– Engage socially with participants
– Assist with the set-up and clean-up of refreshments and program equipment
– Be available for a 3-hour shift, for eight consecutive weekday mornings or afternoons
Learn more about the program and the role on our Minds in Motion® website.
For more information, please contact:
Nicole McDonald, Senior Manager, Dementia-Friendly Communities
204-943-6622 | nmcdonald@alzheimer.mb.ca
10 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia
Knowing the risk factors for dementia can help you take action and make healthy choices for your brain. Risk factors are aspects of your lifestyle, environment and genetic background that increase the likelihood of experiencing cognitive decline or dementia.
While some risk factors for dementia can’t be changed – like genetics and age – there are many things you can do to reduce your overall risk. For those experiencing cognitive changes or signs of dementia, following these risk reduction guides can help maintain brain health and slow progression.
Here are 10 ways you can reduce your risk of dementia:
It’s never too soon, or too late, to make changes that will benefit your brain health. To learn more about these risk factors and ways you can take action for a healthier brain, visit the Risk Factors page on our website, or check out 10 ways to reduce your risk of dementia on our National website.
If you’d like to talk to someone about the risk factors or signs of dementia, please contact our First Link Client Support team by calling 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg) / 1-800-378-6699 (in Manitoba) or emailing alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca.
Check Out Our Fall Education Calendar
We’ve got a full calendar of education sessions this fall, covering a variety of caregiving topics including meaningful engagement in physical activities, wandering and dementia, mealtimes and nutrition and more. These sessions are free to attend and offered via Zoom.
Click here to register for all Family Education sessions.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Living with Dementia First Steps – Part 1
*Please note you do not need to attend the Living with Dementia series in order.*The first session of a three-part information series for people supporting someone recently diagnosed with dementia. In this webinar, learn more about the progression of dementia and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Programs and Services.
Saturday, September 14 | 10 – 11:45 am
Meaningful Engagement of People Living with Dementia in Physical Activities
Involvement in physical activities is a good way to provide both mental and physical stimulation for people with dementia. In this session, learn about:
• Adapting physical activity to the varying levels of abilities of people with dementia
• Strategies to motivate a person with dementia to participate in physical activities
• Safety measures and considerations
Tuesday, September 24 | 10 – 11 am
Wandering & Dementia
Did you know that six in ten people who are living with dementia are at risk of getting lost in familiar or unfamiliar places? Join us for a discussion about wandering, safety, and strategies for reducing the risk(s).
Tuesday, October 1 | 10 – 11 am
Family Education: Next Steps: You can choose to watch these online sessions in-person at the Alzheimer Society office (10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg) – the speaker will not be presenting in-person. Please email ekinnaird@alzheimer.mb.ca if you are interested in this option.
Visit the link below to view our full Fall 2024 education calendar.
Family Education | Fall 2024 Calendar
Family Education programs sponsored by:
Participate in Community Partner Programs This Fall
We have a variety of community partner programs happening this fall – there’s something for everyone to enjoy! The Alzheimer Society partners with community organizations to create programs designed especially for people living with early to moderate symptoms of dementia to attend with their family members, friends or care partners.
Check out our fall 2024 program lineup:
Dalnavert Museum Dementia-Friendly Tours
Come to the Dalnavert Museum for their monthly dementia-friendly tours. This program allows people living with early to moderate symptoms of dementia and their care partners to step back in time and explore the historic house and its collection.
After your tour of the museum, join them for tea and coffee and a closer look at some artifacts.
Please note: The upper floors of the museum are only accessible by stairs. If stairs pose a barrier, there will be the option of exploring the upper floors of the house with a tour guide in the Visitors’ Centre through our virtual tour. Folding cane-seats can be borrowed free of charge during your visit and there will be seating available throughout the museum.
Monthly Program
The last Saturday of every month, 10 – 11:30 am
Cost: $24.00 (plus tax) per pair and session, $12.00 per pair and session if one of the pair is a Dalnavert Museum Member
Register today on the Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre website
Fun!-Damentals of Table Tennis (Manitoba Table Tennis Association)
Introducing the Fun!-Damentals of Table Tennis program which connects people living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners through fitness and friendship.
Table tennis is a great aerobic exercise with proven cognitive benefits. Participants will take part in gentle recreational play. We will teach basic techniques and rules of the game while having tons of fun.
Fall Program (10 weeks)
Cornerstone Alliance Church, 1100 Autumnwood Dr, Winnipeg
Mondays, 6 – 8 pm
Sept 9 – Dec 2, 2024
*No sessions Sept 30, Oct 14 or Nov 11*
Cost: $110 per pair
Register by emailing table.tennis@sportmanitoba.ca
Journeys Through the Zoo (Assiniboine Park Zoo)
Journeys Through the Zoo is an engaging program designed for people living with early to moderate symptoms of dementia and their care partners to explore Assiniboine Park Zoo’s most famed exhibit: Journey to Churchill. Led by an Educator Coordinator, we explore the animals at the zoo and earth-friendly themes while building community through reminiscing, sensory and group activities. We spend time indoors and outdoors so please dress for the weather and walking.
Journeys Through the Zoo is a joint offering of Assiniboine Park Zoo and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. It allows people living with dementia and their care partners to try new experiences in a supportive environment.
Fall Program (4 weeks)
Assiniboine Park Zoo, Special Events Gate, 54 Zoo Dr, Winnipeg
Tuesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
Sept 10 – Oct 1, 2024
Cost: $125.55 +GST/couple
Register on the Assiniboine Park website
Tales Along the Trail (FortWhyte Alive)
Enjoy the best of a Manitoba autumn with migrating birds, magnificent bison and let crackling campfires set up a calming, fun, natural adventure – all in city limits!
Tales Along the Trail is for people living with early to moderate symptoms of dementia and their care partners who are looking for a safe but exciting way to encounter the natural world. An experienced naturalist will guide the group along FortWhyte’s gentle pathways, pointing out all fall has to offer and encouraging everyone to use their senses to explore.
Each session will include a relaxing walk through the woods, with stops focusing on all of our senses. Participants will then have a chance to share thoughts, stories, and a snack around a crackling fire or cozy indoor space. In stormy weather, we bring nature indoors.
Fall Program (8 weeks)
FortWhyte Alive, 1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg
First session: Wednesdays, 2 – 3:30 pm | Sept 4 – Oct 16, 2024
Second session: Tuesdays, 2 – 3:30 pm | Sept 3 – Oct 15, 2024
Cost: $160 + GST/couple
Register by contacting Jeff at jbuhse@fortwhyte.org or 204-989-8355 ext 210
The Living Well Program (The Leaf)
The Living Well Program enables people with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners to reap the social and well-being benefits of engaging with plants with the guidance of a practitioner of horticulture therapy.
We cultivate a dementia-friendly community with sensory plant-based activities, fostering social engagement, and guided explorations of The Leaf and outdoor gardens when the weather permits. Every session includes refreshments.
Fall Program (6 weeks)
Tannis Richardson Indoor Classroom at The Leaf, 145 Locomotive Dr, Winnipeg
Tuesdays, 2:15 – 4 pm
Nov 5 – Dec 10, 2024
Cost: $110 + GST/couple
Registration opens Oct 2
Register on the Assiniboine Park Conservancy website, under “Recreation and Leisure”
Tune-Up Café (Convalescent Home of Winnipeg)
Tune-Up Café is for individuals living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners. It’s an inclusive and welcoming meeting place for singing, making social connections and sipping on a cuppa!
Fall Program
Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, 276 Hugo St North, Winnipeg
Tuesdays, 6:15 – 8 pm
Meets weekly starting August 20, 2024
There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
Contact Sherry at tuneupcafe276@gmail.com for more information and to register.
Vivace Voices Choir (Canadian Mennonite University)
Come and join us in making music together! Singing in a choir is a challenging and joyful experience. In this program, people living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners will learn to sing new and familiar music while making connections with those around them. No prior choral experience is required.
Fall Program (10 weeks)
Canadian Mennonite University, 500 Shaftesbury Blv.
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Sept 25 – Dec 4, 2024
Cost: $145/pair OR $280/pair for both fall 2024 & winter 2025 programs
Learn more and register now on the CMU website
Join in Fun, Fitness & Friendship this Fall with Minds in Motion®
Come join us for gentle chair fitness, fun and recreation at Minds in Motion this fall!
Our popular Minds in Motion program connects people living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners through fitness, fun and friendship. Participants take part in a gentle chair fitness class followed by socially engaging activity and conversation. There are lots of laughs and social interaction during these sessions.
Visit our Minds in Motion page for more information and to register now.
View the dates and locations for our fall programming below.
(Cost is $65/pair unless noted).
Winnipeg Locations
Faith Lutheran Church – 1311 Dakota St
Thursdays, 10 am – 12 pm
Oct 17 – Dec 5
Call the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba to register: 204-943-6622
Online registration available September 11!
Rady JCC Fitness Centre – 123 Doncaster St
Wednesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
Oct 16 – Dec 4
Call to register: 204-477-7510
Riverwood Square – 1778 Pembina Hwy
Tuesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
Oct 15 – Dec 3
Call to register: 204-275-7632
The Wellness Institute – 1075 Leila Ave
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm AND 6 – 8 pm
Oct 16 – Dec 4
Call to register: 204-632-3900
YMCA (Elmwood-Kildonan) – 454 Kimberly Ave
Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Oct 17 – Dec 5
Call to register: 204-668-8140
YMCA (West Portage) – 3550 Portage Ave
Tuesdays, 1 – 3 pm
Oct 15 – Dec 3
Call to register: 204-889-8052
Regional Locations
ALTONA
The Gardens on Tenth – 140 10 Ave NE
Mondays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Sept 16 – Nov 25
*NO SESSIONS ON SEPT 30, OCT 14, NOV 11*
Call to register: 1-204-324-8945
BRANDON
Seniors for Seniors – 311 Park Ave East
Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Session #1: Sept 12 – Oct 31
Session #2: Nov 14 – Jan 23
Call to register: 1-204-571-2050
CARMAN
Carman Active Living Centre – 47 Kings Rd
Fridays, 1 – 3 pm
Sept 13 – Nov 8
Call to register: 1-204-745-2356
GLADSTONE
Senior Support office, 36 Morris Ave N
Wednesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
Oct 16 – Dec 4
*Open to those in the Gladstone, Plumas and Neepawa areas*
Call to register: 1-204-385-3026
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Herman Prior Centre – 40 Royal Rd North
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Sept 18 – Nov 6
Call to register: 1-204-857-6951
SELKIRK
Gordon Howard Centre – 384 Eveline St
Wednesdays, 1 – 3 pm
Sept 18 – Nov 6
Call to register: 1-204-785-2092
SHOAL LAKE
Shoal Lake Drop-In Centre – 605 4th Ave
Tuesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
Oct 15 – Dec 3
Call to register: 1-204-759-3363 or email: dixiesw50@gmail.com
STEINBACH
Pat Porter Active Living Centre – 10 Chrysler Gate
Wednesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
Sept 25 – Nov 13
Call to register: 1-204-320-4600
Fall Support Group Dates & Times Now Available!
Registration is open for our fall support group offerings! If you haven’t tried out one of our support groups before, now is a great time to join – we have a variety of offerings available this fall.
Our support groups give you the opportunity to learn more about dementia, share day-to-day coping strategies and participate in meaningful discussions with others who know what you’re going through because they’ve experienced it themselves.
In addition to our monthly in-person and virtual support group offerings, the following time-limited groups are available this fall:
Support Group for People Living with Dementia
In-person
- NEW! Winnipeg: Thursdays, Sept. 19 to Dec. 19, from 10 – 11:30 am
Location: Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Boardroom, 10 – 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg: Wednesdays, Sept. 18 to Dec. 18, from 10 – 11:30 am
Location: Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Boardroom, 10 – 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB - Brandon: Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 10 – 11:30 am
Location: Unit 4B-457 9th Street, Brandon, MB
Virtual via Zoom
- Mondays, Sept. 16 to Dec. 16, from 10:30 – 11:30 am
- Thursday, Sept. 19 to Dec.19, from 10 – 11 am
Ambiguous Loss Support Group
In-person
- Selkirk: Weeks 1-4: Wednesdays, Sept 11 to Oct 2, from 1 – 2 pm
Weeks 5-8: Wednesdays, Oct 23 to Nov 13, from 1 – 2 pm
Location: Woodland Courts (Boardroom), 387 Annie St, Selkirk, MB
Virtual via Zoom
- Adult children: Thursday evenings, Oct. 10 to Nov. 28, from 7 – 8:30 pm
- Spousal: Tuesday evenings, Oct. 8 to Nov. 26, from 6:30 – 8 pm
Bereavement Support Group (virtual via Zoom)
- Thursdays, Oct. 17 to Dec. 12, from 1:30 – 3 pm
Call us at 204-943-6622/1-800-378-6622 or email alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca to register for a support group or to discover the best group to meet your needs.
For a complete listing of support groups, visit the links below:
Support Groups for Care Partners
Support Groups for People Living with Dementia
We welcome everyone to this inclusive environment for people of different ethnicities, cultures or persons who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
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Remember. You Are Not Alone.
Are you struggling to figure out your next steps? Our First Link® Client Support team is here to listen and help guide you through difficult times – from when you are concerned about your own, a family member or a friend’s memory, right through to the later symptoms of dementia. Call us today at 204-943-6622 (Wpg) / 1-800-378-6622 (MB), email alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca or fill out our online form and we will reach out to you.