British Columbians invited to hike and fundraise for this year’s Climb for Alzheimer’s to help people living with dementia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. started a pilot project, Minds in Motion®, that offers an online version of the popular social and fitness program for people living with early-stage dementia and their care partners. This virtual offering has been a success with more than 300 people joining their weekly meetings.

There are six Minds in Motion® sessions per week which are hosted in Microsoft Teams and are free to attend. The sessions consist of a 30-minute fitness video followed by 45 minutes of social activity and they offer the perfect opportunity to connect with others living with dementia.

Participants, like Sandee Hall – who lives independently in Kamloops and was one of the first people to join an online session of Minds in Motion® – have many good things to say about the offering and what it is like to join the popular program in a virtual format. Sandee talks about how she really looks forward to Minds in Motion® and how it is always on her calendar. The program has given Sandee a chance to meet people with the same diagnosis as hers, share experiences and make friends.

“The things that they can do with technology are amazing. We hear good music and exercise for 45 minutes then we still have the social aspect. It was very easy to adapt to the technology and there’s support if we ever need it,” Sandee says.

“[…] it’s one of the best things to join. It’s an integral part of my life and it brings me joy. It’s very helpful to be with your peers.”

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is the only provincial charity supporting British Columbians affected by dementia and the majority of its funding comes from the generosity of the community. From September 1 – 21, people in all corners of British Columbia will take part in the Climb for Alzheimer’s to hike, fundraise and show people affected by dementia that they are not alone. Funds raised will support the Alzheimer Society’s programs and services, such as the Minds in Motion® initiative.

This year, the 10th anniversary of the event, participants will have the option to hike their favourite trails anywhere in B.C. or join the Alzheimer Society of B.C. as a group at the legendary Grouse Grind® in North Vancouver on Sunday, September 19.