World Alzheimer Month 2018

Worldwide, an astounding 50 million are diagnosed with dementia. In Manitoba, there are over 22,500 people with dementia and 56% are directly impacted because they have a family member or close personal friend with the disease. September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an opportunity to talk about dementia to help reduce the stigma and discrimination that can be associated with the disease.

People living with dementia are entitled to the same human rights as every other person — however, there are huge barriers for people with dementia and often stigma and discrimination contravene these rights. That’s why the Alzheimer Society is pleased to officially launch the first-ever Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia.

The landmark Charter is the culmination of work by the Society’s Advisory Group of people with dementia, whose members represent different walks of life from across the country. The Charter defines seven explicit rights to empower Canadians living with dementia to self-advocate, while also ensuring that the people and organizations that support them know and protect their rights. Click here to read the Charter of Rights

This is a time for action, a global movement united by its call for change, but also a time to reflect on the impact of dementia, a disease that will affect more and more people – including our own family members – as the years pass. Below are some ways that you can show your support for World Alzheimer’s Month.

Help Create Dementia Friendly Communities

Senior woman at front doorIn a dementia friendly community, we all have a role. It could involve being more patient when someone at a checkout counter needs a few more minutes to organize their purchases. It could mean assisting someone if they appear disoriented. It could mean improving signage to better direct people as they enter your place of business.

Join a growing movement of individuals and workplaces who are increasing awareness and creating positive change!

Click here for more information about dementia friendly communities.

 

Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/AlzheimerSocietyManitoba

  • Share your personal stories and let others know how your family has been touched by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
  • During the month of September, “like” us on Facebook to be entered to win a tote, an insulated lunch bag and a stainless steel water bottle.

 

Attend Care4u Family Conference

Register today for the 7th annual Care4u family conference – a day of learning for family and friends caring for a person with dementia.

Saturday, October 27
9 am – 3:30 pm
Canadian Mennonite University – 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. (map)

Click here for more information or to register online.

 

Join the Minds in Motion® Program

_MG_7716Minds in Motion® is a two-hour program, running for eight weeks, that combines physical activity, socialization and cognitive stimulation for people living with early to moderate symptoms of dementia to attend with a family member or community friend.

Fall Minds in Motion® sessions will run at six Winnipeg and Regional locations this fall, including: Altona, Gimli, Morden, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach and Selkirk.

Click here for more information and a complete list of locations.

 

Attend a Family Education Session or Workshop
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.

Click here for information on Family Education sessions.

Click here for information on Living with Dementia Workshops.

 

Register for a Telehealth Session (for regional communities only):
The Alzheimer Society offers Family Education for those experiencing dementia in regional communities across the province through the video technology of Manitoba Telehealth.

Click here for more information and a complete list of locations.

 

Gather your friends, family and co-workers and get your cogs turning for a fun night of trivia and a little friendly competition! Teams of 10 will compete in 10 fast-paced rounds of brain bending trivia for the title of Grand Champion!

Wednesday, October 10
6:30 – 10:30 pm
Club Regent Casino Event Centre
Registration Fee $30

Click here for more information or to register online.

 

 

Join us for a Globally Coordinated World Alzheimer Month

Dementia exists in your country, in your province and in your community. It knows no boundaries.

It not only affects the person themselves, but also impacts  families, caregivers, communities and societies on a local, national and international scale.

Having a globally coordinated World Alzheimer Month sends a strong message to governments and policy makers, alerting them of the fact that dementia is a serious health issue which will have serious implications on services and health systems around the world as the population grows older.

We hope you join us here in Manitoba to raise awareness about dementia and the programs and services available for families at the Alzheimer Society.