While the memories of people affected with dementia may fade, the Alzheimer Society wants to ensure those with the disease and their caregivers are not forgotten.
Therefore, when faced with a diagnosis of dementia, knowing where to get information about the progressive disease is vital, said Shawna Gillis, the navigator at the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, Yellowknife chapter.
“It is true that there is no cure, but there is help out there, and people can still live a good life with dementia,” Gillis said.
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and Gillis said the one of the first steps towards seeking help is the First Link early intervention program offered by the society.
“I think the biggest thing is just finding that support in your community and in your circle of friends and family, and that everyone’s on board and accepting the diagnosis and the next step,” she said.
First link, first step
The First Link program was designed to connect people with the external support they require to begin navigating the health services and information that will assist both the person diagnosed and those involved in their care, according to Gillis.
An initial two-hour session provides the basic information about the effects of dementia on the cognitive functions of the brain.
“That program is currently offered virtually but we will have in-person sessions available here in Yellowknife this year,” Gillis said, adding that anyone across the territory can join a virtual, hybrid-type session.
“A lot of families and caregivers find this really helpful because it gives them communication skills for when they’re dealing with the person and that kind of helps them to understand what’s going on with them.”
Gillis said once that initial contact is established, programs such as the in-person care partner support group prove helpful as well as the Let’s Sing program. The latter program incorporates music and song into an interactive setting and gives participants the opportunity to revive long-term memories unaffected by the disease.
Participants ‘come alive’
One of the Alzheimer’s society volunteers in the Let’s Sing program, Martha MacLellan, said it’s heartwarming to see residents “come alive” when they hear a song from long ago.
“One song — Sweet Caroline — was someone’s favourite. It triggers memories,” MacLellan said. “It’s good for family to participate — it’s something positive to do.”
Gillis said the grant-based, volunteer-run program, supported by Aven Manor and the Yellowknife Community Foundation, held its fourth session last fall and it’s open to both residents of Avens and the public.
“We hope to be able to run this again in the near future,” she said.
During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Gillis said the society has plans to have an information table at the Co-op grocery store and then in May, the Alzheimer’s Walk will be held. She encourages people to reach out to the society for more information about any of its programs or about the disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, more than 600,000 Canadians have dementia and that number is increased by more than 350 each day. By 2030, upwards of 1 million people could have the disease.
“I think everyone that you can talk to has at least a family member or someone that they know affected by it,” Gillis said.
—By Jill Westerman