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….
Our brother, Robert, was the oldest of three boys in our family. When he passed away, it felt like we had lost a leg of our tripod, a corner of our triangle. Committed to his family and friends, Robert was always willing to offer extra support during difficult times—like when his own family was touched by dementia. After witnessing the heartbreaking effects of the disease, Robert decided to leave a generous gift to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in his…
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…
We all know that a healthy lifestyle is important for reducing our risk of dementia and many other chronic diseases. But did you know that it’s equally important for people who already have a diagnosis of dementia? Research shows that lifestyle choices such as healthy eating, staying social, challenging your brain and being physically active can improve quality of life, may help to slow the progression of the disease and can improve your capacity to cope with some of the…
Jordan Ali is working diligently to give voice to the experiences of those with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). This PhD student from the University of Victoria aims to develop profiles of individuals with this condition, which may signal early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This can be helpful to general practitioners and front-line support workers in identifying individuals who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Video Transcript: Hi, my name is Jordan Ali. My work relates to a phenomenon called…
Life can change direction drastically when a family member or close friend is diagnosed with a chronic health condition like Alzheimer’s disease, another form of dementia, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Your suspicions that something is wrong have been confirmed; now, you have to figure out how to support the person. You may have never had personal experience with any of these conditions. Suddenly, you find yourself going along to doctor’s appointments and feeling as if the doctor is speaking…
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…
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…