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 204-943-6622/1-800-378-6622 or fill out our online form and we will reach out to you.
IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
- Walk With Us This May & June!
- Coming Together to Show We Care
- Making a Difference Through Steps & Stitches
Support & Education
Spring Programming
Connect With Us
2024 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
COME WALK WITH US THIS MAY & JUNE!
The 2024 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is just around the corner, so we want to share stories to help inspire you to lace up your shoes and walk with us this May and June! We all have a reason to Walk – what’s yours? Every step makes a difference!
WALKS TO JOIN THIS YEAR:
Winnipeg
Saturday, May 25th at 10am
Assiniboine Park, Lyric Theatre
Steinbach
Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30 pm
AD Penner Park
Brandon
Thursday, June 6 at 5:30 pm
Riverbank Discovery Centre
Selkirk
Thursday, June 13 at 5:30 pm
Gordon Howard Centre
Check out the official Walk website for more details and to register.
Tag us on our social media accounts and use the hashtag #IGWalkforAlz so we can be there to cheer you on!
- Facebook: @AlzheimerSocietyManitoba
- Instagram: @Alzheimermb
- X (formerly Twitter): @AlzheimerMB
- LinkedIn: Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
Coming Together to Show We Care
Laura Bishop at the 2023 Winnipeg IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is a special day for Laura Bishop. Not only is it the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, an organization she’s been volunteering with for many years, but it’s also an opportunity to come together with her colleagues and show support for families living with dementia across the province.
“I love the feeling I get from the Walk, the atmosphere is electric,” says Laura. “There are tears, laughter and open conversations about dementia, which helps us all connect on a more personal level.”
Laura is an Executive Consultant at IG Wealth Management and has been a Walk Champion for over six years. She’s also had the exciting role of Ribbon Cutter for the past three years, kicking off the Winnipeg Walk for cheering participants.
Last year, over 100 teams participated in the Winnipeg Walk with more than 1,000 people coming together to show they care. This includes many corporate teams from local businesses like Laura’s. “Being a part of the day with colleagues is a fantastic team-building opportunity while giving back to the community. Every company or organization should get involved in events like this to help make a difference.”
Right now in Manitoba, around nine people a day are newly diagnosed with dementia. These are our family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours. The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is a chance for everyone to feel that support and know they are not alone.
A dementia diagnosis isn’t easy and as the numbers continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to have easy access to support, resources and information. The Walk raises awareness and funding so the Alzheimer Society can continue to provide these services to families navigating the complexity of a dementia diagnosis.
“Attending the Walk has helped me fully understand how widespread dementia is and how many people are impacted by it – including many people I work with,” says Laura. “It’s made me even more passionate about supporting the Alzheimer Society so families can keep getting the resources they need.”
Laura invites all Manitobans to participate in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s this spring and for those in the Winnipeg area to join her and the rest of her IG Wealth Management team at Assiniboine Park on Saturday, May 25th.
Let’s make this the biggest Walk yet!
Making a Difference Through Steps & Stitches
Donna Mostowy & her son at the Selkirk Walk, 2023
Seeing friends, neighbours and community members come together through support and compassion is one of the reasons Donna Mostowy joins the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s every year.
Donna first participated in the Walk when she worked as a psychiatric nurse at Selkirk Mental Health Centre. The Centre hosted Walks on its grounds each spring in support of the Alzheimer Society, which Donna says were a big hit with everyone at the facility.
Now retired, Donna participates in the Alzheimer Society’s Selkirk Walk. Every year, she holds up a sign that says: I’m Walking for… all of us.
“Back in my days as a psychiatric nurse, I got to know many families living with dementia and understand the challenges they face,” says Donna. “So supporting the Alzheimer Society is something I’ve held close to my heart for many years.”
Having seen the variety of ways dementia can impact families, Donna is passionate about raising awareness and funds for everyone affected by the disease, and her community supports her right back.
Donna is a member of a quilting group called the Riverside Quilters, who always sponsor her in the Walk. The group gathers at the Gordon Howard Centre in Selkirk every week – the same building that houses the Alzheimer Society’s Interlake/Eastern office. Sharing this space helped Donna become more familiar with the Society’s programs and their annual Selkirk Walk.
Donna isn’t alone in her passion for helping the dementia community. This past year, the Riverside Quilters made over 100 touch quilts for the Alzheimer Society to donate to people living in personal care homes.
“Dementia can affect anyone, no family is exempt,” Donna says. “The more support we can provide, the greater opportunity there is for resources and for research to hopefully one day discover improved treatments, or even bring a cure.”
Aside from raising awareness and funds to support families living with dementia, the Walk is a great way to get outside and meet some friendly faces. “It’s wonderful to see the response from the community as we walk with our banner and signs,” Donna says. “People wave or honk their horns – it’s amazing to feel that support.”
Understanding Young-onset Dementia
Nancy & Curtis McRae
Many people don’t realize that younger adults can also be diagnosed with dementia. Right now in Canada, about 28,000 people living with dementia are under the age of 65.
Nancy and Curtis McRae know firsthand why more awareness is needed surrounding young-onset dementia. Nancy was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in September 2022 – she was only 50 years old.
“It’s been a tough road for us. Nancy had to stop working and over the course of just one year, she lost her entire vocabulary,” says Nancy’s husband Curtis, a member of the Society’s support group for care partners of people living with young-onset dementia. “Our children are grown, but we still have one in university and another who just graduated. There are a lot of expenses rolling through our household that you might not have if you were older.”
Things like receiving workplace accommodations and supporting dependent children are some of the unique challenges for those navigating dementia under the age of 65.
“The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada,” is a recent Landmark Study report released by the Alzheimer Society that highlights the diversity behind dementia. Chapter five specifically voices the need for more awareness and resources for families affected by young-onset dementia.
Other barriers unique to young-onset dementia may include:
- Lack of awareness among health-care workers – this can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Financial challenges – families may not have been able to accrue substantial retirement savings or have access to pension
- Time of life – those at this age may still be leading very active lifestyles and programming is typically geared to older adults with limited mobility
“I want to start advocating more for young-onset dementia. It feels like we’re the forgotten ones,” says Curtis. “We need more resources specifically for younger adults. There are financial supports that could have benefited me and Nancy, but we aren’t eligible for them because we’re under 65.”
There are many other challenges this group faces, but the more awareness we create, the better-prepared families can be for the future.
For anyone experiencing signs of dementia or a diagnosis, the Alzheimer Society is here to help. Call us at 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg) \ 1-800-378-6622 (Provincial) or email alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca to connect with our First Link® Client Support team.
Register Now for Spring Family Education Sessions
Join us this spring and learn about a variety of topics from professionals, including understanding responsive behaviours, the relationship between sleep and dementia and more. These sessions are free to attend and offered via Zoom.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Living with Dementia: First Steps
*Please note you do not need to attend the Living with Dementia series in order.*
Part 2
The second session of a three-part information series for people supporting someone recently diagnosed with dementia. In this session, learn about the legal and financial matters related to dementia.
Saturday, May 11 | 10 – 11:45 am
Click here to register
Part 3
The third session of a three-part information series for people supporting someone recently diagnosed with dementia. This session is a WRHA Home Care Program & Services Overview.
Saturday, June 1 | 10 – 11:45 am
Click here to register
Family Education: Next Steps
Understanding Responsive Behaviours
Responsive behaviours and reactive behaviours are terms commonly used to refer to actions, words or gestures presented by a person living with dementia as a way of responding to something negative, frustrating or confusing in their social and physical environment. This session introduces responsive behaviours while focusing on potential causes and triggers, as well as effective ways for care partners to respond.
Tuesday, May 21 | 2 -3 pm
Click here to register
Sleep Matters: Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep & Dementia
In this session, important aspects about the relationship between sleep and dementia will be discussed. Participants will discover:
- how insufficient sleep increases the risk of falls and responsive behaviours in people living with dementia
- ways to identify features in the environment that contribute to poor sleep
- practical strategies to help improve sleep
Tuesday, June 11 | 2 – 3 pm
Click here to register
Q & A with First Link® Client Support Staff
Do you have questions about dementia? Caregiving strategies? Communication tips? Join our First Link Client Support staff, who will provide a short presentation on some of the common questions received by the Client Support team about navigating the dementia journey. We will also leave time for attendees to ask other questions during an extended Q & A period.
Tuesday, June 25 | 10 – 11 am
Click here to register
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.
Family Education: Next Steps Sponsored by:
Visit the links below to view and register for more upcoming sessions.
Family Education | Spring 2024 Calendar PDF
Family Education | Upcoming Seminars
Spring Community Partner Programs
Spring is here and we have a fresh lineup of community partner programs! 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 Spring 2024 programs:
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.
The next session is Saturday, April 27, from 10 – 11:30 am.
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
Dalnavert Museum, 61 Carlton St, Winnipeg
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.
Spring Program (10 weeks)
Cornerstone Alliance Church, 1100 Autumnwood Dr, Winnipeg
Monday evenings, 6 – 8 pm
April 8 – June 10, 2024
Cost: $110 per pair
Register today by emailing table.tennis@sportmanitoba.ca
Tales Along the Trail (FortWhyte Alive)
Enjoy Manitoba’s spring awakening! Tales Along the Trail is for people living with dementia and their care partners who are looking for a safe but exciting way to encounter the natural world. Watch as snowy landscapes turn lush green, hear the songs of migrating birds and smell the first flowers in the forest. An experienced naturalist will guide the group along FortWhyte’s gentle pathways, pointing out all spring 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.
Spring Program (8 weeks)
FortWhyte Alive, 1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg
Wednesdays, 2 – 3:30 pm
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2024
Cost: $110 + GST/couple
Contact bmiller@fortwhyte.org for a link to register for this program
Now and Then: A Journey in Time (Manitoba Museum)
Now and Then: A Journey in Time is a program that encourages you to explore the Manitoba Museum’s many collections.
During four lively sessions led by a Museum Learning Facilitator, participants will explore old memories and create new ones through objects, activities and stimulating discussions. Each session highlights one of the Museum’s distinct galleries, from the animals of the Arctic to the far reaches of ancient Egypt and many more.
Participants are welcome to explore the Museum Galleries before or after the program.
Spring Program (4 weeks)
Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg
Fridays, 2 – 3:30
April 10, April 17, April 24 and May 1, 2024
Cost: $110 + GST/couple
Register for the Spring session on the Manitoba Museum website.
Minds in Motion® Spring Sessions
Stay socially and physically active this spring with Minds in Motion®!
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.
See below for locations still accepting registrations for Spring sessions:
Winnipeg Locations
Rady JCC Fitness Centre – 123 Doncaster St.
Wednesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
April 10 – May 29
NO SESSION ON APR 24
Call to register: 204-477-7510
YMCA – Elmwood-Kildonan – 454 Kimberly Ave.
Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 11 – May 30
Call to register: 204-668-8140
Regional Locations
ALTONA
The Gardens on Tenth – 140 10 Ave. NE
Mondays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 8 – May 27
Call to register: 1-204-324-8945
BRANDON
Seniors for Seniors – 311 Park Ave. East
Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 4 – May 21
Call to register: 1-204-571-2050
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Herman Prior Centre – 40 Royal Rd. North
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 10 – May 29
Call to register: 1-204-857-6951
SELKIRK
Gordon Howard Centre – 384 Eveline St.
Wednesdays, 1 – 3 pm
April 3 – May 22
Call to register: 204-785-2092
To view a full list of all Minds in Motion sessions, visit our Minds in Motion webpage.
To inquire about future registration dates, please email aduff@alzheimer.mb.ca.
Join our Community
Erin Crawford, CEO
Manitoba is brimming with hopeful and inspiring examples of how community members support each other to live their best quality of life with dementia. The stories we hear are teeming with love, kindness and generosity from people who have overcome hardships after finding connections through the Alzheimer Society’s support groups, community programs and fundraising events.
As we sit on the cusp of potential new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, we continue to support our local research community and the integral work they do toward developing the treatments we all hope to see for families in Manitoba. There is hope on the horizon for the dementia community and we’re here as a beacon of support through every shift and turn.
Amidst these developments, we feel our communities coming together to show how much they care. More and more businesses and individuals are reaching out to learn about dementia-friendly initiatives and how they can make small changes to support their friends and neighbours affected by dementia.
The words ‘you have dementia’ are hard to hear for everyone involved. Around nine people a day are newly diagnosed in Manitoba, and that affects their partners, kids, family and friends in ways not everyone can even begin to understand.
We are listening. We want to better understand the unique needs and experiences of our wonderfully diverse communities, so no one is left behind and supports are available for everyone in a way that’s meaningful and welcoming. We are here to support you. Call us. Reach out to us. We can help you get through the tough days.
Drop in to one of our programs and experience this sense of community for yourself, or come to our annual Walk event because it’s more than just a walk – it’s a chance to connect, support each other and have a little fun along the way.
Erin Crawford, CEO
Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
Follow Us On Social Media
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) for the most current news, information and resources. If you’re already following us on social media, invite your friends to do the same!
X (formerly Twitter)
We Rely on Your Donations to Continue Our Work
Your gifts are put to immediate use through our First Link Client Support team, support groups and education programs.
Remember. You Are Not Alone.
We are here to help you and your family no matter where you are in your dementia journey. You can reach a comforting ear by phone or get a quick response by email. Call us at 204-943-6622 (Wpg), 1-800-378-6699 (MB) or email alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca