Alzheimer’s Awareness Month will feature a series of virtual events

With January being observed as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month across Canada, a series of pandemic influenced sessions will help get useful information out to people via online sessions.

The focus of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is raising awareness about dementia and challenging the stigma that continues to persist in our communities. By highlighting the importance of that dialogue, the Alzheimer Society wants to create conversations that have the power to break down stigma, encourage the first step towards accessing support and services, as well as receiving a timely diagnosis.

The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan has shifted to phone and email contacts with their clients during the pandemic, and they are also offering more virtual programming to help people affected by dementia learn more to live as well as possible with the disease and stay connected to others.

In the Southwest, the

Cypress Resource Centre continue stop deliver information and support via the phone: 306-7732683 or 1-800-263-3367 (toll-free in Saskatchewan) or via email: cypress@alzheimer.sk.ca.

There are also a series of virtual programs being delivered by the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan during the month.

Among the sessions planned are:

Thursday, January 7, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. - ABC’S of Dementia (via Zoom) – Presenter: Abby Wolfe, Public Awareness Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.

Description: Learn more about dementia and the changes in abilities, behaviour, and communication it can cause at this virtual public awareness presentations.

To register online, view the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan website: https://alzheimer.ca/sk/ en/whats-happening/ programs-events.

January 27, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - An Evening of Education – Understanding Dementia (via Zoom)

– Guest Speaker: Dr. Krista Lagimodiere MD, FRCPC, Geriatrician Internist, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Assistant Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.

Description: This is a public presentation for anyone who wants to learn more about the risk factors, different types of dementia, warning signs, importance of and how to get a diagnosis and the benefits of connecting with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan for information, education and support.

Pre-registration is required by January 23.

To register, people may call Carlie at 1-800-2633367 or email cjudge@ alzheimer.sk.ca. Online registration is available via https://alzheimer.ca/ sk/en/whats-happening/programs-events.

LEARNING SERIES EVENTS

Learning Series (via Zoom) – These are educational events designed specifically for people living with dementia and their families.

Next Steps for Families: Offered in two 3 hour early evening sessions.

A description for Next Steps for Families is available online at https://alzheimer.ca/sk/ en/help-support/programs-services/dementia-education-saskatchewan/learning-series.

Dates/times: January 14 and 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees are asked to attend both sessions. There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is required by calling 1-800-263-3367 (toll-free in Saskatchewan).

Care Essentials: Offered in four 1.5 hour sessions.

Care Essentials is designed for family members.

A description for Care Essentials is available at https://alzheimer.ca/sk/ en/help-support/programs-services/dementia-education-saskatchewan/learning-series.

Dates/times: February 9, 11, 16 and 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees are asked to attend all four sessions. There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is required by calling 1-800-263-3367 (toll-free in Saskatchewan).

First Steps: Offered in four 1.5 hour morning sessions over two weeks.

First Steps is for the person living with dementia and a family member(s) to attend together.

A description for First Steps is available at https://alzheimer.ca/sk/ en/help-support/programs-services/dementia-education-saskatchewan/learning-series.

Dates/times: March 2, 4, 9 and 11, from 10:15 a.m. to noon Attendees are asked to attend all four sessions.

There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is required by calling 1-800-263-3367 (toll-free in Saskatchewan).

SUPPORT GROUPS

Support Groups (via Zoom or by phone) – Descriptions, dates/times and registration details for the Early Stage Support Group for people living with dementia and the Caregiver Support Groups are available at https://alzheimer.ca/sk/ en/whats-happening/ programs-events.

Coffee and Chat (via Zoom) – This is a social opportunity for the person living with dementia and a family member/ friend to attend together. Zoom sessions are hosted each Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To register for this social opportunity contact cjudge@alzheimer.sk.ca

Minds in Motion® (via Zoom) – This is a fitness and social program for the person living with dementia, who is experiencing the early stage of the disease, and a family member/friend to attend together.

For a description of Minds in Motion® visit https://alzheimer.ca/ sk/en/help-support/ programs-services/ minds-motion.

Full information on the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan’s programs and services can be viewed at https://alzheimer.ca/sk/en.

Individuals interested in accessing Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan services or programming are encouraged to call the Dementia Helpline at 1-877-949-4141.