Memory walk highlights dementia
Dannevirke will hold its first Memory Walk on Thursday September 20 to highlight the effects of dementia.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.
Dementia is a cruel and heartbreaking disease. It is vitally important that those affected do not continue to be marginalised by the stigma that is real and stops people from seeking help.
We must show people affected by dementia that they remained valued and have access to information support and services. If you are caring for someone you love both you and they need help in order to live well through this journey. Don’t let this disease disable you anymore that it has to.
Dementia does not discriminate and Dannevirke is no exception to the growing numbers of people affected with spouses and families struggling to care. Until we reduce the stigma attached to dementia many people will struggle to live with this disease.
The biggest risk of developing dementia is age. Tararua has an ageing population people over the age of 65 make up 18.2 per cent of the Dannevirke population. This figure is set to increase by 75 per cent over the next 20 years.
Dementia affects all of the community. People with dementia are your loved ones, your neighbours, your patients and your customers and until as a community we reduce the stigma and increase awareness this disease will rob us of so much more.
We cannot cure this disease but we can certainly fight back by opening our minds to discussing this openly and becoming aware as a community how each and every one of us can each make a difference.
There is a great deal of help available for those experiencing dementia. Alzheimers Manawatu¯ has supported a hundred clients in the Dannevirke region over the past year.
Alzheimers Manawatu¯ understands the need to have local services to support the local people — this also helps supporters to support each other. When people come to our service the people who they know (but did not know they needed our services) then support each other.
Every Thursday from 10am3pm in the Dannevirke Band Rooms, paid and voluntary staff of the Marion Kennedy Centre provide a therapeutic and social stimulation programme for people with dementia. This involves games, entertainment and other activities which help stave off the later stages of the disease.
Various entertainment groups are increasingly assisting on these days. Music is a major stimulant for those with dementia, especially groups singing the older songs like Dannevirke’s Lions Pride just four months ago.
It is important to contact Alzheimers Manawatu¯ as early as possible in the disease, as so much can be done to reduce the effects. If you want to know more about the local services whether you need the service or want to help in any way contact 0800 004001
In the meantime come and join the march on Thursday September 20.
‘of Dementia affects all the community. People with dementia are your loved ones, your neighbours, your patients and your customers . . .
Meet at the Town Hall Carpark at 11.30am. The march is not a long one but already 150 locals have registered.