Alzheimer Awareness Month

Did you know that today, more than 20,000 Manitobans are living with dementia? Chances are that you know someone living with this disease. One person in every three is personally affected.

At the Alzheimer Society we’re often asked why get an early diagnosis?  That’s why, this January during Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society is launching a nationwide campaign to promote the benefits of early diagnosis and help people understand there is life after dementia.

Benefits of Early Diagnosis

familywebEarly diagnosis opens the door to important information, resources and support and helps people with dementia focus on their abilities to remain independent in their homes and communities longer. On a practical level, an early diagnosis gives someone the chance to explain the changes happening in their life to family and friends and allows families to plan ahead.

Click HERE to learn more.

Warning signs

Memory lapses are common as we age, but when memory loss begins to impact our daily lives, it could be the early signs of dementia. Ignoring these signs often leads to people not being diagnosed for months, even years.

Click HERE for the 10 warning signs of dementia.

Checklist for visit to the doctor

doctor visitwebGood communication between the doctor, the person with dementia and their caregiver is very crucial. Here you will find ways to prepare for your visit, what questions to ask and things to do after the doctor’s visit.

Click HERE to learn more.

Planning for the future

Plan early to have a voice in your future. This checklist will assist you and your family as you prepare for important health, personal, financial and legal decisions.

Click HERE to learn more.

Treatments

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no treatment that will stop its progression. Several drugs are available that can help with some symptoms. Non-pharmacological treatments may also benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Click HERE to learn more.

Ways to get involved


FACEBOOK

We look forward to having great conversations with you! Join us on Facebook for the most current news, information and resources. If you’re already tuned in on Facebook, please invite your friends.

  • check out the photo of the day.facebook
  • share your personal stories and let others know how your family has been touched by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
  • encourage your friends to “like” our page.

During the month of January, any new “likes” are entered into a draw to win:

  • two Care4U registrations
  • an Alzheimer Touch Quilt
  • a stainless steel coffee mug
  • and more!

Click HERE to “like” us and enter the contest now!

 

DEMENTIA…ANSWERS YOU NEED

Wednesday, January 29
7 – 8:30 pmquestion mark
Samuel N. Cohen Auditorium, 351 Tache Ave.
St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre (map)

Join an expert panel as they discuss:

  • Memory changes and dementia
  • Benefits of early diagnosis
  • Risk factor reduction
  • Treatment options

Click HERE to register online.
Click HERE to download the poster.

 

DOOR TO DOOR CAMPAIGN

Every January, volunteer canvassers brave the cold during Alzheimer Awareness Month to support the work of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Please give generously when someone comes to your door.

Click here to donate or find out more.

 

CRESTVIEW UNITED EVENT 

Crestview United Church invites people with dementia and their caregivers to Memory Café. The Memory Café is a place where people affected by dementia can socialize and have fun with other people going through similar experiences.

Please join Crestview United Church (316 Hamilton Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba) for the first Memory Café on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Memory Café meetings will continue to take place the third Wednesday of every month.

For more information, contact Crestview United Church at 204-832-0475 or Susan Gustafson at 204-831-7665 or s.gust@shaw.ca.

 

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION ANNUAL BAKE SALE

cupcakeSaturday, January 18
9 am until sold out
Altona Mall

All proceeds support the work of the Alzheimer Society. For more information, please contact Liz Siemens at 204-324-6161 or Eleanor Bergen at 204-324-1833.

Click here to download poster.


LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE WORKSHOP

Family EdThe workshops are held on two consecutive Saturdays from 9 am – 2 pm. These sessions will be helpful to family and friends who support the person living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

Presentations by specialists will cover topics regarding medical concerns, family and individual perspective, legal & financial considerations, helpful community resources, caregiver tips and home safety.

Cost: $25 for the 2-day workshop includes resources & refreshments.

Winnipeg
Saturday, January 25 & Saturday, February 1, 2014
9 am – 2 pm
Seine River Retirement Residence, 1015 St. Anne’s Rd (map)
Click HERE to register online.
Click HERE to download the poster.

Winkler
Saturday, January 25 & Saturday, February 1, 2014
9 am – 2 pm
Boundary Trails Health Centre in the Multi-Purpose Room (map)
Winkler, Manitoba
Click HERE to register online.
Click HERE to download the poster.

 

TELEHEALTH EDUCATION SESSIONS

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba offers family education for those experiencing dementia in over 25 communities across the province via video technology.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: A Medical Perspective
Tuesday, Feb. 4
6:30 – 8 pm
Click HERE for a list of locations.
Click HERE to register online.

Communication: The Right Approach
Tuesday, Feb. 11
6:30 – 8 pm
Click HERE for a list of locations.
Click HERE to register online.

 

FAMILY EDUCATION SESSION

Options in Community Care: Home Care vs. Family Managed Care
Wednesday, February 19
7 – 8:30 pm
River Ridge Retirement Residence, 50 Ridgecrest Avenue (map)
Click HERE to register online.
Click HERE to download poster.


Driving and Dementia

Thursday, March 13
7 pm -8:30 pm
St. George’s Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St. (map)
*Only 25 spots available
Click HERE to register online.
Click HERE to download poster.

EXPERIENCING DEMENTIA CLASSROOM PROGRAM

Thursdays beginning February 20
Eight-week classroom program
10 – 11:30 am
Call 204-943-6622 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-378-6699 (in Manitoba)
Click here for poster

 

We hope you join us here in Manitoba to help break down the barriers of stigma around dementia and raise awareness about the Society as the go-to resource for support, information and education.