eNewsletter October 2015 - Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

In This Issue

Raise Your Voice: Election 2015
Forgetting Just a Little
Minds in Motion®: Register Now!
Everyone Should Have a Patient Advocate
You Can Still Host a Coffee Break in October
Call for Research Participants
Spotlight on Current Research: Poor Sleep May Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Caregiver Tips: Stay Active!
Upcoming Education
Upcoming Events

Raise Your Voice: Election 2015

By 2031, 1.4 million Canadians will have dementia. That’s less than 20 years away.

Canada needs a national dementia strategy to curb the social, economic and personal costs of this disease and to better prepare us for the future.

The Alzheimer Society has proposed the creation of the Canadian Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Partnership (CADDP) to implement a national dementia strategy for Canada.

Before Canadians go to the polls on October 19, 2015, we want to open the dialogue and build a foundation for working together with elected representatives post-election. To this end, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is meeting with candidates. Give us a call at 204-943-6622 if you want to know the response of the candidates in your area to the development of a national dementia plan.

Whether you have two minutes or several days, there are many ways to take action. For information, click here.

Forgetting Just a Little

Are you noticing minor memory changes in a family member or friend, but don’t know whether or not to be concerned?

Perhaps the person is getting along just fine in day-to-day activities, but small things are cropping up: a shopping list is needed even for one or two items, or a recipe must be consulted for a favourite family dish.

It is possible that these changes are the result of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants in the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Care4u Family Conference on October 31 will have a chance to learn more about this topic in a presentation by Dr. Cornelia (Kristel) van Ineveld, an Associate Professor in the Section of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Manitoba. Dr. van Ineveld is also a consultant geriatrician, with outpatient care and outreach being her clinical focus.

“MCI is different from dementia in that the person is able, with a few minor adaptations, to carry on with their everyday lives,” she says. “For people with dementia, however, a grocery list or other reminders may no longer help the person to remember.”

If you notice small changes in yourself or a family member, standardized testing may help to reveal if MCI is present. Generally, someone with this condition will score normally in most areas of testing, but there may be one area – such as memory or problem solving – in which scores are abnormal.

There are many possible causes for MCI, and Dr. van Ineveld is quick to point out that not all people with it will go on to develop dementia. In some cases, the MCI may be a temporary condition associated with a medical issue, such as depression or a critical illness.

But the reality is, almost everyone who does develop dementia will go through a phase of mild cognitive changes, so it is important to pay attention to small memory changes for which there does not seem to be a ready explanation. Risk factors that the memory changes may be related to dementia include family history of the disease, age and having risk factors for heart disease.

Taking Steps

Maria Mathews, Manager of Family Education at the Alzheimer Society and the organizer of the Care4u Conference, has good reasons for inviting Dr. van Ineveld to speak. Maria hopes that, by providing education about MCI, people will be able to identify possible MCI in a family member, and then take steps to slow down progression.

Those steps include exercise, keeping the mind active and eating well. “At the Care4u Conference, people will learn about mild cognitive changes in Dr. van Ineveld’s session, then can practice some of the interventions in our concurrent sessions,” says Maria.

Such sessions include Drums Alive^®, in which participants can experience the therapeutic benefits of music and movement, as well as a “mini” Minds in Motion^® session, which is a shortened version of a popular program for people diagnosed with early-mid stage dementia to enjoy with their family or community care partner.

“We want participants of Care4u to know that, if their family member has MCI, there are community programs out there that they can access that are very accepting,” she says. “It will be comforting for people to know that there is more awareness, and the stigma around dementia is being alleviated.”

For more information about the October 31 Care4u Family Conference, contact Maria Mathews at 204-943-6699 or or mmathews@alzheimer.mb.ca or check the website at alzheimer.mb.ca/care4u2015.

Half of the Minds in Motion® Sites are Booked Solid:
Don’t Miss Out – Register Now!

In response to demand, the Minds in Motion® program has been expanded from two to six locations.

Three are full, but still available for registration are the YMCA–YWCA of Winnipeg (Elmwood Branch), City of Winnipeg–St. James Civic Centre and the Rady Jewish Community Centre.

Participants thoroughly enjoy the combination of physical activity, socialization and mental stimulation. The program was created for people living with early to mid-stage dementia and their family member or community care partner. Don’t miss out!

Click here for information on the six locations and the mid-October start dates. Participants are required to call the desired location to register.

For further information, please contact: Maria Mathews, Minds in Motion® Program Manager, at 204-943-6622, 1-800-378-6699 or mmathews@alzheimer.mb.ca

Everyone Should Have a Patient Advocate…Who, Me?

Have you ever gone to a medical appointment and felt overwhelmed with the visit? Have you come away not sure what was said to you, what was told to you about your condition and what you should do? Then, you should consider having a patient advocate.

A patient advocate is someone you trust to help you through the health care process. This person is a second set of eyes and ears when you may be too tired, confused or in too much pain to really comprehend and retain what you are being told.

Not only do you have the right to have someone with you at your health care visits, be it a doctor’s appointment or an emergency event, you have a responsibility to ensure your own personal health care safety. This is done by knowing what your health care issue is, what it means to you and your activity of daily living and how to properly manage your condition.

If you are not 100 percent engaged with the health care provider due to the stress of your condition or a decrease in your comprehension, you are at risk. A patient advocate helps you to reduce this risk. Research shows that patients who are informed and engaged and who have the support and involvement of family and others achieve better outcomes and experience increased patient satisfaction.

The Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety has a Patient Advocate Form, which can be reviewed and downloaded at www.mips.ca. This agreement between you and a support person will define what role you want this individual to undertake for you with regards to your health care.

This agreement should be set up before you need it. It could contribute positively to your health care outcomes.

For more information, contact Denise Widmeyer, BSc, BScN, RN, Leader, Patient Safety Initiatives, at the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety or check the website at mips.ca

Did You Know…
You Can Still Host a Coffee Break® Event in October

A fun way to raise money for the Alzheimer Society is to host a Coffee Break® event. Businesses and individuals can pick a date anytime during October and invite friends and colleagues to join them in support of people with dementia.

Check in with us now and we’ll send you a kit to get you started.

New this year, text COFFEE to 45678 to donate $5 to the Alzheimer Society! Donations coming from Manitoba area codes will be credited to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Click here to register online or for more information.

Call for Research Participants:

Are you working and providing care for a relative or friend with dementia?

If so, you may want to consider participating in a study that is seeking participants from Brandon, Manitoba, and surrounding rural areas. The study needs participants who would like to tell their stories about their dual roles as an employee and a caregiver. The time commitment is a 45 to 60 minute interview.

Participants may also choose to participate in an eight-week psychoeducational group for caregivers of relatives or friends with dementia, as well as a focus group to share their thoughts about the psychoeducational group. The time commitment for this focus group is 75 to 90 minutes.

Participation in this study is voluntary and those involved may choose to end their participation at any time.

To participate, please contact Jocelyne Lemoine, Site Coordinator, at 204-474-9476 or email her at Jocelyne.Lemoine@umanitoba.ca

Spotlight on Current Research:

Poor Sleep May Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California described the link between poor sleep and amyloid protein build-up in the brain. The build-up of this protein in the brain is considered one of the hallmark changes in Alzheimer’s disease.

Twenty-six cognitively healthy older adults in their seventies participated and completed the study. All participants underwent an initial positron emission tomography (PET) scan to estimate levels of amyloid protein in the brain. Within one year of the scan, participants went to the sleep laboratory for a series of tests. They were trained on a memory task, tested after 10 minutes, given an eight-hour recorded sleep opportunity and tested again two hours after awakening while undergoing a functional MRI.

Results show that amyloid protein build-up in the brain is associated with sleep disruption, which in turn is linked to impaired overnight memory consolidation. Furthermore, other evidence suggests that sleep disruption also reciprocally promotes build-up of amyloid proteins; thus there seems to be a two-way association between amyloid proteins and sleep disruption.

It has been common knowledge that enough sleep is important for overall health and brain function. Although the study does not show any causal evidence, it further strengthens the importance of having enough undisrupted sleep. A good quality sleep can be a significant protective factor against Alzheimer’s disease. For those with sleep disturbance, practicing regular sleep hygiene or getting treatment for sleep disorders can promote deep sleep and enhance memory and well-being.

To read the news article visit time.com/3901855/sleep-alzheimers-disease/

For information about sleep visit alzheimer.ca/en/Living-with-dementia/Day-to-day-living/Sleep

Stay Active!

Physical activity and exercise promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Dementia may cause a person to lose interest in physical activity, while a caregiver may have difficulty finding the time to exercise.

Dementia and the caregiving role should not keep you or the person with dementia from being physically active. Stay on the go! Here are some suggestions:

Set aside a consistent time for daily exercise. Pick the time that works best for both of you.

Be realistic. If a 10 minute walk is all you can handle, it is better than not going for a walk at all.

Ask what activity the person with dementia prefers. If they can’t decide, suggest a familiar exercise.

Encourage participation by adding sensory stimulation to the activity. Go outdoors, play music or use exercise equipment.

Choose comfortable clothes and shoes.

Make sure you both drink enough water when exercising.

Keep safety in mind. If going outdoors, stay on quiet trails with minimal traffic and distraction.

Join an exercise program that suits you and the physical needs of the person with dementia.

If you or the person with dementia has health concerns or are taking medications, consult your doctor about any limitations that should be observed.

Think of the benefits of physical activity to your health and well-being, but more so, appreciate the fun and quality time you spend together when staying active.

If you are interested in a program that promotes physical activity, socialization and mental stimulation, check out the Minds in Motion® program at this link alzheimer.mb.ca/mindsinmotion/index.html

Upcoming Education

FAMILY EDUCATION

Living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias (Workshop)
Our one-day workshops provide valuable information for those who are caring for a person with dementia.

One-Day Workshop − Gimli
Saturday, October 17, 9 am to 4 pm
Gimli Community Health Centre, 120-6th Ave., Gimli (map)
Cost: $20. Includes lunch and resources.
To register, contact Jackie Dokken at alzne@alzheimer.mb.ca or 204-268-4752

Minds in Motion® Program
The eight-week Minds in Motion® program is taking place in six Winnipeg locations, with start dates in mid-October. This popular program combines physical activity, socialization and mental stimulation for people living with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementias, to enjoy with a family member or community care partner.
Click here for information on the six locations and the mid-October start dates. Participants are encouraged to call the desired location to register.
For further information, please contact: Maria Mathews, Minds in Motion® Program Manager, at 204-943-6622, 1-800-378-6699 or mmathews@alzheimer.mb.ca

Telehealth Sessions (Offered in Regional Areas)
The Alzheimer Society provides education throughout Manitoba delivered via the technologies of Telehealth audio/video conferencing. Upcoming sessions include:

The 7 A’s: Exploring the Effects of Dementia on the Brain
Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 to 8 pm
Click here to register online.

“I’m a Real Person Too”: Communicating with People with Dementia
Tuesday, October 27, 6:30 to 8 pm
Click here to register online.

Know the Law: Elder Care Law and Abuse Prevention
What is the role of an appointed attorney (Power of Attorney) when complex or abusive situations arise? How can elder abuse be prevented? Learn more about these and other important legal matters in this session.
Thursday, October 22, 7 to 8:30 pm
Revera – The Wellington Retirement Living, 3161 Grant Ave., Winnipeg (map)
Click here to register online.

Care4u is a conference for family and friends caring for a person with dementia.
Saturday, October 31, 9 am to 3:30 pm
Canadian Mennonite University, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg (Map)
Click here for more information
Click here to register online.

They’re Here for You! Disability and Compassionate Care Benefits
Find out about the who, what, when, where and how of the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit, Compassionate Care Benefits and health related tax deductions available to a person with dementia and their care partners.
Tuesday, November 17, 7 to 8:30 pm
Riverside Lions Estates, 188 Worthington Ave., Winnipeg (map)
Click here to register online.

Family Education: First Steps
An information and experiential workshop for people supporting a person recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
Saturday, November 28 (Part 2), 9 am to 12 pm
Windsor Park United Church, 1062 Autumnwood Dr., Winnipeg (map)
Click here to register online.

2015 Fall Calendar
Click here for a full listing for these fall 2015 education and weekly programs.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Quality Care; Quality of Life
March 7 & 8, 2016
Click here for the Save the Date poster.

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

Upcoming Events

The Alzheimer Society’s annual Trivia Challenge is a great way for trivia lovers to raise money for a worthy cause. Get a team together today and accept the challenge! The fun takes place at the Club Regent Casino and Event Centre on Tuesday, October 20 from 6:30 to 10:30. Register online at alzheimer.mb.ca or call 204-943-6622.

Coffee Break® is Celebrating its 20th Anniversary!

Did you know…you can still host a Coffee Break® event during October! It’s an easy and fun way to show your support for people affected by dementia in your community. We’ll even send you a kit to get you started.