World Alzheimer's Month 2014

wam2014-logo-cmykThere are more than 44 million people with dementia worldwide. By 2030 this number is expected to have risen to almost 76 million and to around 135 million by 2050.

September is World Alzheimer Month, an international initiative to raise awareness about dementia and available resources to support families affected by this disease. The 2014 campaign will draw attention to the importance of maintaining your brain health.

CLICK HERE to read the 2014 report, “Dementia and Risk Reduction,” from Alzheimer’s Disease International now.

Dementia. Can We Reduce the Risk?

Research suggests that leading a brain healthy lifestyle may help to reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia later in life. The general rule is what’s good for the heart is good for the brain, so both should be well looked after with a balanced diet and regular physical and mental exercise.

The evidence shows that people may reduce their risk of developing dementia by adopting healthier lifestyles. Much of what’s needed are simple activities you can do in your day to day life.

Remember, it’s never too late to make any of these changes. Click HERE to learn about five ways to reduce your risk.

 

2014 Initiatives

Alzheimer Societies across the world will focus their activities on creating awareness by offering a range of programs and events.

Activities will include educational seminars, workshops and enjoyable social events for people with dementia and their caregivers.

In Manitoba, there are several ways you can support World Alzheimer’s Month.

 

Visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/AlzheimerSocietyManitoba
  • Check out our photo of the day.
  • 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 two passes to our Care4u Family Conference.

 

Support World Alzheimer Month at our National Coffee Break® Day Event

Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month with the Alzheimer Society on National Coffee Break® Day on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 11 am to 2 pm in Winnipeg Square (beside Scotiabank).

  • Alzheimer Society of Manitoba awareness booth
  • Staff and volunteers will serve coffee and dainties in exchange for a donation

Click here to make a donation to the Alzheimer Society for National Coffee Break® Day.

 

Host a Coffee Break® Event

Invite your co-workers, friends and family to join you for your own Coffee Break® event! Coffee Break® is the  Alzheimer Society’s nationwide annual fundraiser where guests are invited to  make a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee.
Click here for more information or to register online.

 

Join the Minds in Motion® Program

The Minds in Motion® program combines physical activity and mental and social stimulation for individuals living with early-mid stage dementia and their family care partner.

Starting October 14th at two Winnipeg locations, our pilot program will run for eight weeks in the community.  The program is offered once per week, for a two-hour session which includes a physical activity component followed by a socialization session involving mentally stimulating activities.
Click here for more information.

 

Attend a Family Education Session

Dauphin – Speaking Up: Advocacy Skills for Family Caregivers
Tuesday, September 9
7:00 pm
Dauphin Multi-Purpose Senior Centre, 55 1st Ave SE., Dauphin, MB
For more information contact Laurie Church at the Parkland Office at 204-638-4483 or alzprk@alzheimer.mb.ca

Dugald – Virtual Dementia Tour
Come for a virtual dementia tour as part of a Coffee Break® event.
Thursday, September 11
10 am to 12 pm
Dugald Library, 206 Dugald Road, Dugald (map)
For more information call 204-268-4752

Winnipeg – The Realities of Dementia: “I’m Still Here”
DVD presentation on the impacts of a dementia diagnosis on people, their families and friends

Wednesday, September 24
7 – 8:30 pm
St Joseph’s Residence, 1149 Leila Avenue
Presented by Maria Mathews: Manager of Family Education; Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
Click here for online registration.

Dugald – Dementia…Answers You Need
Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 pm
Dugald Library, 206 Dugald Road, Dugald (map)
For more information call 204-268-4752

Telehealth Sessions (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. Join us from 6:30 to 8 pm on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 7: The Impact of Dementia in Canada and the Warning Signs we all Need to Know
Tuesday, October 14: I’m Still Here!
Tuesday, October 21: Planning for Your Future

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

Attend an LWAD Workshop
Living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Another Dementia Workshop

Swan River – Saturday, September 13
9 am to 3:30 pm
Swan Valley Health Centre, Swan River
Click here for more information.

Winnipeg – Saturday, September 27
9 am – 4 pm
Hosted by The Wellington by Revera
3161 Grant Ave. (map)
Click here for online registration.

 

Sign up for Experiencing Dementia

Dementia impacts individuals, families and communities. Our eight-week Experiencing Dementia program unites families and community members with individuals who are experiencing the early stages of dementia.

Topics include: understanding the disease progression, effective communication skills, changing behaviours, coping strategies, options in community living and community resources.

Interviews taking place this September for next session starting Oct. 9 and ending Nov. 27. Email mmathews@alzheimer.mb.ca for more information.

 

Attend Care4u Family Conference
Saturday, November 1
9 am – 3:30 pm
Canadian Mennonite University – 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. (map)
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.