If you assemble three Elk Valley residents in a room, chances are good one of them knows someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
That’s how prevalent the disease has become, according to the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C.
The statistics are more than just numbers. They represent local families who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias – people just like the 36 per cent of Canadians who know someone living with the disease.
To help families, the Society, in partnership with Interior Health, offers a one-day caregiver education seminar, Getting to Know Dementia, on Thursday, May 16.
Participants will receive information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the brain and treatment options. They will also learn about tools for effective, meaningful and rewarding communication with the person with dementia.
Community Care Nurses will conclude the day with a discussion on local services.
The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Fernie Hospital boardroom. Registration is just $20. To sign up, contact Dee at 250 423 8288.
Approximately one in 11 Canadians over the age of 65 has Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.
Local caregivers coping with the impact of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias can get assistance by contacting the Dementia Helpline toll-free at 1-800-936-6033, Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.