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By Curtis Galbraith

Health

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, local office says it is here to help

Jan 18, 2023 | 6:05 PM

Every January marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

Jennifer Simms, the regional lead with the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories in Grande Prairie, says they want people to know the society is there for them and that they are not alone.

“We really want to be your first link after diagnosis. We can help give you answers, help with support, and connecting you to many amazing resources in our communities that we have.”

Simms says a lot of people who have been diagnosed or have a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, don’t know help is available through an office like this one.

“Because we know that with the numbers that with the numbers that were released in Alberta that there are more than 50,000 people living with dementia or other Alzheimers (in 2021) and, currently with the society, we’re helping support around 10,000 of those families.”

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“So, we know that there is a gap of 40,000 families that are not currently receiving support and services through the society.”

Simms adds there were 46,000 Alberta families living with Alzheimer’s in 2016.

She says a study has found that dementia rates are expected to more than double.

“We know that it’s so important (that) if you have any questions if you want to know how to reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, to reach out.”

“Being able to reduce the stigma that goes along with it, I think that the more we start the conversations, the better chance we have of being able to share that information.”

Simms adds age, diabetes, and heart health are all risk factors so if they are going up, so is the number of people with dementia.

She adds things like staying active and being social, things that are good for the heart, are also good for the head.

Simms says anyone who wants to reach out can call 780-882-8770 or can check their website.

She adds there are community presentations on learning more about dementia on January 19 at 6 p.m. at the Grande Prairie Public Library and another on January 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.

Simms says they have also partnered with the Eastlink Centre to offer an in-person program called Minds in Motion, one that includes 45 minutes of physical activity and another 45 minutes of cognitive activity. It is for anyone in the early to middle stage of dementia.