Local Action, Lasting Impact

At the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, we believe that change starts with conversations—in community halls, libraries, seniors’ centres, and even small-town coffee shops. Over the past few months, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with people across the province to help them better understand dementia, its symptoms, and how to be more welcoming and accessible for people living with dementia and their care partners.

Town of Broadview

When Colleen Umpherville, the mayor of Broadview, began noticing the growing impact of dementia on her community, she felt a deep urge to help but wasn’t sure where to begin. Determined to make a difference, she reached out to our First Link Coordinator, Lori Tulloch. Lori offered a simple first step: join the Society’s upcoming virtual presentation on Dementia Friendly Communities.

After the presentation, Colleen was inspired to act. She took the information to her town council, who agreed that the Town of Broadview should be doing more to help raise awareness to dementia and how people with dementia may experience the world.

A few weeks later, with support from Lori Tulloch and our Public Awareness Coordinator, Erica Zarazun, Broadview hosted an “ABC’s of Dementia” presentation to help its residents learn more about dementia, its signs and symptoms, the importance of an early diagnosis, and the supports and services available through the Alzheimer Society. The turnout was strong, with the desire for knowledge and resources even stronger.

Broadview’s community momentum is inspiring. We look forward to continuing our relationships with individuals and organizations in the area.

Saskatchewan Seniors Association Conference: Sparking Conversations

In June, our Public Awareness Coordinator joined the Saskatchewan Seniors Association Inc. (SSAI) Annual Conference in Saskatoon. With around 60 attendees, the room was full of thoughtful questions and meaningful dialogue. The presentation focused on understanding dementia, recognizing early signs, and creating supportive environments for those affected.

Participants were especially interested in how to reduce their risk of dementia and support care partners—proof that people are eager to learn more and take action.

Métis Nation Health Fair: Building Bridges

We were invited to participate in the Health Information Conference Day in June, hosted by Primary Health Care and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Western Region 3.

Our Regina First Link Coordinator, Peta Gay Watson-Jones and provincial Public Awareness Coordinator, Erica Zarazun, facilitated a presentation on dementia’s impact on Indigenous communities, risk reduction strategies, supports and services available through the Alzheimer Society.

We’re hopeful this is just the beginning of a growing partnership rooted in respect, shared learning, and culturally appropriate care.

Brain Health Pro: A New Chapter in Risk Reduction

We are excited to be participating in the national Brain Health Pro (BHPro) implementation project. This exciting initiative, led by researchers from the Centre de Recherche - Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, aims to bring an online dementia risk reduction program to rural and underserved communities across Canada.

With partners from community organizations, libraries, and health authorities, we are exploring what it takes to make brain health education accessible, inclusive, and impactful. From language barriers to digital access, we identified real-world challenges—and even more opportunities. The energy in the room was clear: people are ready to work together to make brain health a community conversation.

We are eager to keep sharing brain health knowledge and resources. We’ll be connecting with our partners again this fall to continue the conversation—outside the scope of the current project—to explore what brain health means for our communities and how we can mobilize knowledge in ways that matter. Because when we come together, we don’t just talk about change—we make it happen.

In the past year, we’ve hosted 25 public awareness events, reached over 2,800 participants, and welcomed more than 900 new constituents to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.

Community Presentations: Meeting People Where They Are

From the Northgate Senior Walkers to staff at H.E.L.P. Homes Regina, we’ve been on the road (and online), sharing information and sparking conversations about dementia. Whether it’s a group of 50 or a team of 15, each presentation is a chance to learn about local residents' experiences with dementia and discuss small—yet significant—ways to become more dementia friendly.

At H.E.L.P. Regina, for example, staff were eager to learn how to better support residents living with dementia. We shared practical tools, person-centered strategies, and resources to help them feel more confident and compassionate in their care.

Looking Ahead

The real impact lies in the conversations sparked, the relationships built, and the communities that are choosing to walk alongside people living with dementia and their care partners.

We’re grateful to everyone who has opened their doors, asked questions, and taken steps—big or small—toward a more dementia-friendly Saskatchewan.