September is World Alzheimer's Month

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible and eventually fatal disease and is the most common cause of Dementia in seniors aged 65 and over.  According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, an estimated 564,000 Canadians are living with dementia. 

September 2019 marks the 8th annual World Alzheimer’s Month and World Alzheimer’s Day is held on the 21st of September each year.  The goal is to raise awareness and to help change the stigma and attitude surrounding Alzheimer’s throughout the world as stigma is one of the biggest barriers for people with dementia to live fully with dignity and respect.

The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada is kicking off its second year of  Yes. I live with Dementia. Let me help you understand. A campaign to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see Dementia differently.  They are giving voices to those who live with the stigmatism of this disease every day in the hopes to convert judgment into compassion and assumptions into understanding.

Here in Saskatchewan, the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by Alzheimer’s and related Dementia within Saskatchewan, and they report that every 24 hours another 10 people in Saskatchewan develop a form of Dementia.  One of their many events to raise awareness is the Night to Remember Gala which has been held annually for the last 19 years! 

Melissa Larson from the Alzheimer Society of Sask reports that “the funds raised go towards essential programs and services that allow people in Saskatchewan to learn more and live well with the disease as well as to raise funds for research into the quality of life, cause, and a cure.” The Gala is being held at the Casino Regina on Thursday, October 17th.  Corporations and businesses can become a sponsor of the event as well as individuals can purchase tickets to attend.  Also, anyone wanting to help out but unable to attend can also donate items to the silent auction by contacting Melissa at mlarson@alzheimer.sk.ca

Know the Signs

Alzheimer's affects so many families within Saskatchewan so if you are experiencing possible symptoms or are concerned for a loved one, the following list of signs to look for was developed by the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan;

1. Memory loss affecting day-to-day activities

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks

3. Problems with language

4. Disorientation with time and space

5. Impaired judgment

6. Problems with abstract thinking

7. Misplacing things

8. Changes in mood or behavior

9. Changes in personality

10. Loss of initiative

If you are concerned about any of the signs, talk to your doctor.

For more information visit www.alzheimer.ca and read the powerful stories of those living with the disease at www.ilivewithdementia.ca  #ilivewithdementia



Written by:  Bobbi - Lynne McGarry