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Category: Ontario Posts

Falls and Dementia: What You Need to Know

Falls and Dementia: What You Need to Know

 As the weather gets colder and the ground freezes over, we all start to feel a little unsteady in our footing. But for people living with dementia, the fear of falling can be more than an occasional thought in the wintertime. November is Fall Prevention Month, and we want to discuss why, for older adults and people living with dementia, falls are an everyday worry. In fact, falls can be dangerous, if not deadly. The concern of falling isn’t one…

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Gardening therapy for dementia

Gardening therapy for dementia

For someone who loves gardening, there is nothing like the meticulous, careful work of planning, planting and caring for a garden. The creative and tactile experience of being near to nature is not only good for our well-being, but it may in fact help to relieve the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Living well includes many lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, social contact and more. All of these can improve our cognitive health, no matter our age….

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A journey through dementia: Savouring the gifts

A journey through dementia: Savouring the gifts

by Elaine MacLachlan My mother died of Parkinson’s disease and dementia two weeks before her 88th birthday.  That was over 5 years ago.  It was a long and often difficult journey.  Looking back now, instead of regret and sadness, I choose to remember the gifts she gave me during that time. And, there were many.  Those are the things I cherish. Her health started to decline around the age of 80 when she fell down the stairs fracturing her pelvis….

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Researcher Sarah Wu is doing something about dementia, and starting in the dining room

Researcher Sarah Wu is doing something about dementia, and starting in the dining room

You may already know that there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. While some researchers are diligently looking for effective treatments, others are looking at more social models of care. Many Alzheimer Society Research Program grant recipients are working toward a friendlier future for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. What does relationship-centred care for someone living with Alzheimer’s look like? University of Waterloo doctorate student Sarah Wu is investigating long-term care, and searching for opportunities that may…

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Caregiver tips for Thanksgiving dinner

Caregiver tips for Thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving is more than just a turkey with all the fixings. It is a time to share thanks for all that we have been given and a time for togetherness with family and friends. If a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, considerations can be made in advance to ensure an enjoyable holiday for all. Here are some Thanksgiving Dinner tips to help both people with dementia and their families during Thanksgiving:   1. Plan ahead There is a…

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September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day

September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day

There are many ways to get involved and show your support of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia this month. One small act can make a remarkable difference to the men and women who are impacted by dementia. Top 5 ways you can make a difference this month: Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is the best way to help those that are impacted. Do you know the risks, prevention, and how to best support those with the…

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People like Margaret are more than just a number.

People like Margaret are more than just a number.

Did you know that of the 564,000 Canadians with dementia, 60% will go missing or become lost at some point? These men and women are more than just a number. And so are you. You have the power to be the one who makes an impact. By making a donation today, you can help fund dementia research initiatives and support vital programs for people with dementia and their families. With your support, we can help people like Margaret and her…

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Power of Attorney: Empowering you to help your loved one

Power of Attorney: Empowering you to help your loved one

Follow us, as Elizabeth Murray tells the moving story of her mother’s battle with dementia. In this blog series, Murray explores every part of the experience of caring for someone with dementia, sharing her memories and insights from it all. Her words serve as a great reminder of the many ways dementia affects our lives, and the lives of our loved ones. Moving my mother into a nursing home was a difficult decision. Executing that decision was even more difficult….

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Power of Attorney: Planning for the future

Power of Attorney: Planning for the future

Follow us, as Elizabeth Murray tells the moving story of her mother’s battle with dementia. In this blog series, Murray explores every part of the experience of caring for someone with dementia, sharing her memories and insights from it all. Her words serve as a great reminder of the many ways dementia affects our lives, and the lives of our loved ones. Two months before she was diagnosed with dementia, my mother and I were reviewing her bankbooks at her…

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Matthew Walks to honour the memory of his beloved Oma

Matthew Walks to honour the memory of his beloved Oma

Matthew Vorstermans and his grandmother had a very special bond. “My Oma lived in Pittsburgh during most of her life and I only saw her about once or twice a year,” Matthew explains. “Despite the distance between us, we maintained a great relationship. We wrote letters to each other and talked on the phone all the time. There was never a time where we’ve held a grudge or anything; we’ve always gotten along.” Matthew was born with Cerebral Palsy, and…

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