Quarterly newsletter - June 2015

What might Canada look like if we all had a better understanding of dementia?

We can make it happen. Help us reach 5,000 Dementia Friends by Canada Day!

“After being diagnosed, my friends started to call less and less. I would say today, that I have lost many friends due to this disease. Their lack of understanding and fear of dementia, unfortunately has kept us apart. Having Dementia Friends will enable us to continue living a productive lifestyle. We will be ourselves for a bit longer. We are worthwhile and we do matter.” 

Chris Nelson, living with dementia

Since Dementia Friends Canada launched two weeks ago, close to 3,000 Canadians have already taken a moment to learn more about dementia and commit to a simple action.

Driving and dementia: a messy issue

Accepting a diagnosis of dementia is difficult enough. But for some people the prospect of giving up their driver's licence, and the independence it represents, is the hardest part.

The difficulty is that those with dementia often don’t realize their driving has deteriorated, and doctors don't have objective tools to assess their fitness. Even so, in some provinces, doctors must report patients whom they feel can no longer safely drive.

"It's a messy issue," says Dr. Tom Schweizer, a neuroscientist at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital. "Assessment is an ambiguous, subjective, patient by patient process."

Dr. Schweizer aims to change that. He and his team at St. Michael's Hospital are in the midst of a two-year study to better understand what types of driving impairments affect people with dementia and what brain regions are at play.

More than 3,000 Walkers in 114 communities across eastern Canada raise over $835,000 online so far!

"My mother passed away in 2013, but I have been doing the walk each year since 2008 to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease, and to try to addres the stigma associated with it. If your family member or friend has been affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s, talk about it. There are others in the same situation. Attending an Alzheimer Walk will greatly help you know you are not alone."
Anne, walk participant

Walking is no longer just a fundraiser. It’s an annual tribute – honouring the memory of someone who meant the world to you or supporting a friend in need. 

Learn more about the walk and how you can enter the #WhyIWalk Still Alice contest

Looking for a unique Father's Day gift that makes a difference in the life of someone with dementia?

Make a donation in honour of dad

Did you know Coffee Break is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this September?

Sign up today to host an event

We all enjoy a change of scenery and a break from routines.

Careful planning will help you manage the changes in surroundings and routines.

Tips to make the trip easier

We partner with Alzheimer Societies in every province. Here are some highlights of their work and how to connect with them:

Alberta and Northwest Territories

The Pro-Am Face Off for Alzheimer’s raised over $500K to support research in Alberta! Recipients of research funding are from the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge.

British Columbia

Last month, B.C. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were invited to take part in an event that makes B.C. the first Legislature in Canada to receive dementia education. MLAs learned about dementia and how to support people in their constituencies and in communities at large.

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Manitoba

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba recently asked our readers to complete a survey about our monthly eNewsletter. Comments were positive and encouraging, and we received lots of ideas for article topics that we intend to follow up on in future issues. Sign up today!

New Brunswick

The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick is thrilled to announce that the Government of New Brunswick will provide funding to provide First Link^® to support the  more than 14,000 New Brunswickers affected by dementia.

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Newfoundland and Labrador

Thank you so much, Newfoundland & Labrador for all your support of the new Walk for Alzheimer’s on May 24^th! So far we’ve raised over $44,400 making this our most successful Walk ever and there’s still time to show your support online!

Nova Scotia

This spring, the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia held a successful Early-Stage Forum. Over 70 people with dementia and their partners in care participated in the presentations and discussions in this half-day workshop. We’re thrilled to see this event growing each year in participants, speakers and exhibitors.

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Ontario

On May 13^th, 85 Dementia Champions arrived at Ontario’s Legislature for the Alzheimer Society Queen’s Park Day in support of an Ontario Dementia Strategy. Find out more about the day and how you can get involved in advocacy.

Prince Edward Island

On Sunday June 7^th, Islanders across the province joined together to make a difference in the lives of people in their community affected by Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. The funds contributed support the vital programs and services that the Alzheimer Society of PEI provides for Islanders living with dementia.

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Quebec

The Federation of Quebec Alzheimer Societies launched a new education program for health care and social care professionals on April 28^th. Learn more about the program and how you can enroll.

Saskatchewan

A special thank you to all our Saskatoon gala guests and sponsors. You helped us raise over $135,000 in our second year! Save the date for our fall A Night To Remember Gala Thursday, October 22, 2015!

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