By Curtis Galbraith

Health

People being asked to educate themselves during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Jan 6, 2022 | 6:00 AM

People are being encouraged to learn about dementia and its impact on people during this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

Jennifer Simms is the regional lead for the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories in Grande Prairie.

She says one in four people are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and close to 50,000 Albertans are on what she calls “a dementia journey.”

“We like to ask (this) every January and we know that it sometimes ends at the end of January but that the experiences of people that are living with dementia do not,” she explained.

“We’re looking to be able to get out there to our communities to really encourage that to be top of mind going throughout the year.”

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Simms adds signs of dementia can include memory loss, trouble doing familiar tasks, and changes in mood or behaviour.

“That is why we say it is a critical step to reach our to our society first. We have friendly, helpful staff that are waiting for their call whether it is steps on how to get a diagnosis or getting support at any stage of the disease.”

“Sometimes, people just want to ask us what are some of those risks? How can I stay healthy?”

Simms adds what is good for the heart is good for the brain. Regular doctor visits, staying social, eating well, and protecting the head can help reduce the risks of dementia.

She adds when people are educating themselves about dementia, it is important to get the right information.

“Knowledge is really power when it comes to being able to help support somebody that’s living with dementia,” Simms said.

“I think that one of the things that we hear of so often is that somebody is given a diagnosis and then they feel like they are no longer valid because people might not want their opinions like they would have in the past where that’s not true at all.”

Simms says a diagnosis of dementia does not mean things change right away but it is something that can go for a long time depending on what type of dementia someone has.

Simms recommends two websites, www.alzheimer.ab.ca and www.asantcafe.ca

The society, Grande Prairie Storm, and MNP, along with Pattison Media, are all teaming up for an Alzheimer’s Awareness Game. The night will include a frisbee toss. The Lloydminster Bobcats will provide the opposition. Puck drop will be at 7 p.m.

Simms adds anyone who needs information on dementia or wants to make a donation can contact the local office. She believes there are close to 40,000 families across Alberta and the Northwest territories dealing with dementia without the Society’s support and she wants them to reach out for help.