Alzheimer’s disease is the second most feared disease for Canadians as they age. And with many Vernon residents 50 years of age or older, dementia is becoming a pressing health issue locally. To help residents, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. brings its free workshop, Getting to Know Dementia, to Vernon Jan. 23.
“Participants will receive basic information on dementia and the impact it has on the individual, their caregivers and their support network,” said Carly Gronlund, the society’s support and education coordinator for Vernon and the North & Central Okanagan.
The introductory session reviews the challenges of receiving a diagnosis of dementia.Participants will learn about the different types of support available throughout the dementia journey, how to begin planning for the future and strategies for living well.
This session is intended for people experiencing early symptoms of dementia, as well as family members or friends who are currently supporting a person with a recent dementia diagnosis. The workshop is not intended for the general public or health-care providers.
The workshop runs Jan. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the People Place, 3402-27th Ave. Pre-registration is required. For information and to register contact Gronlund at 1-800-634-3399 or cgronlund@alzheimerbc.org.
The workshop is free thanks to partial funding from contributions from the province of B.C., corporations and individual donors.
For more information on Alzheimer’s and other dementias, visit www.alzheimerbc.org.
