Alzheimer Society raising awareness in January

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

Mary O’Connor, a client services coordinator with the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River, says the focus is to make residents more aware of dementia and its impact.

“Mostly this month, I focus on Dementia 101. What is dementia? How do you have a great visit with somebody who has dementia? All of those kinds of things is our awareness month,” says O’Connor.

The Alzheimer Society offers a variety of services at no cost to residents, family members and caregivers.

They are paid for in part from donations or fundraising through events such as Coffee Break.

One of the programs offered is known as The Social, formerly Memory Cafe.

“That is a place to get together for people with dementia and their caregivers in the early stages,” says O’Connor.

“We don’t ever talk about dementia, but we get together, and we play music. We do a craft. We have a snack, and it’s just a chance to get out and visit with other people.”

More than half a million Canadians live with dementia today.

The number is expected to reach as high as one million over the next decade.

Area municipalities are also helping raise awareness.

Many are raising the Alzheimer Society flag and offering proclamations in recognition of the month.

For more information, visit the Society’s website Alzheimer.ca/krr/en or click here.

You can also call their Kenora office at 1-800-682-0245.