An online survey of baby boomers across Canada conducted by the Alzheimer Society reveals a worrying lack of awareness about Alzheimer's disease.
Survey results show, 23 per cent of boomers can't name any of the early signs of the disease, even though their risk doubles every five years after age 65.
"The need for awareness is becoming greater because of the work the Alzheimer Society does in terms of raising awareness in terms of what the state of dementia is in Canada and B.C.," said Leanne Jones, support and education co-ordinator, Northern Interior Resource Centre.
On Dec. 14 the resource centre is offering a free workshop, called Understanding Dementia.
"Participants will receive basic information abut dementia and the impact this disease has on the individual, caregivers and families," said Jones.
The workshops are offered several times a year and some of them are done via video-conference in an attempt to reach the entire health region.
The next full series, called the Family Caregiver Series, will be held in February.
"Some workshops are geared toward family caregivers, some for professional caregivers and some are for the general public. We also have a series for people that are in the early stages of dementia and their care
partners," said Jones.
Most boomers are familiar with the common hallmark signs of Alzheimer's disease of not recognizing familiar faces and objects.
"This is an insidious disease. Most people associate memory loss with Alzheimer's but it's so much more. Sudden changes in mood, misplacing common household items, repeating words or statements or difficulty with everyday tasks like getting dressed can all be warning signs that need to be discussed with a doctor," said Alzeihmer Society national director of education Mary Schulz.
"We exist to elevate the personal and social consequences of dementia and support caregivers, so they can look after their loved ones at home for as long as possible. We aim to do that through education and support groups," said Jones.
January is Alzheimer awareness month and the society urges people to test their own knowlege by taking the survey at www.alzheimer.ca/testyourknowledge.
The society also encourages Canadians, especially those 40 and older, to practice prevention by learning the risks and making lifestyle changs: eat a heart-healthy diet, stay active and monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The workshop runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Alzheimer Society of B.C. resource centre, 202-574 Quebec St. and is open to the public.
Seating is limited, so pre-registration is strongly
encouraged.
For more information, contact Leanne Jones, 250-564-7533 or [email protected].
