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Media
Advisory
Nov. 6, 2006, 3 p.m.
For more information:
Patricia Wilkinson, Manager of Media Relations and Communications,
Alzheimer Society of Canada
(416)847-2959, or
1-800-616-8816
cell: 905-965-2156
PWilkinson@alzheimer.ca
Study Shows People with Alzheimer’s Disease Make Valuable Contributions
Report highlighted as National Conference kicks off today in Toronto
November 6, 2006 — When people with early stage Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia volunteer with the Alzheimer Society, it not only allows an outlet for their skills and experiences, but also provides them with the opportunity to influence policies and programs aimed at improving their own quality of life.
Engaging People with Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease in the Work of the Alzheimer Society, a new study report presented during the Alzheimer Society of Canada's 28th National Conference today, emphasized the valuable contributions that people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias can and are making to the Alzheimer Society.
"Earlier diagnosis is leading individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias to become involved in the Alzheimer Society. It has been our experience that these individuals contribute in a meaningful way by helping to shape our understanding of dementia, as well as their needs and required supports," says Scott Dudgeon, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
The report, funded by Imagine Canada, was commissioned by the Alzheimer Society of Canada to identify strategies, as well as recognize the challenges, required to promote the active participation of people with early stage dementia in the organization. The report found that there is a value and benefit from inclusion, and recommended five steps to help establish it as a priority. These included:
- the development of a strategic direction, policy statement and goals for the Alzheimer Society
- pursuing enhanced funding
- providing support and training for staff and volunteers providing information and support for consumers
- enhancing advocacy efforts and inclusion.
Other key sessions held today at the conference included presentations by leading Canadian researchers on Alzheimer's disease: how we got to where we're at today, and Early Diagnosis and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Highlights of tomorrow's program include:
- I'm Still Here, a powerful, research-based play that presents a realistic portrayal of the experience of dementia from the perspectives of those living with the disease - from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Emerging Treatments, a plenary session given by Dr. JoAnne McLaurin of the University of Toronto, and Dr. Carolyn Harley of Memorial University - from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Alzheimer Society's 28th National Conference, taking place at The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, will continue until November 8 under this year's theme of Alzheimer Research and Innovation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Full conference details, or a copy of the Engaging People with Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease in the Work of the Alzheimer Society Report, are at www.alzheimer.ca.
About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. Symptoms include a gradual onset and continuing decline of memory, changes in judgment or reasoning, and an inability to perform familiar tasks. The disease eventually affects all aspects of a person's life, including how they think, feel, act and react to their environment. At present, there is no cure for this fatal disease.
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias affect an estimated 1 in 13 Canadians over the age of 65, or approximately 420,000 people. It is estimated that 750,000 Canadians will have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia by the year 2031 if a cure is not found. Canadian taxpayers already spend an estimated $5.5 billion to care for people with dementia, and this number will continue to grow substantially as the population ages.
About the Alzheimer Society of Canada
Founded 28 years ago, the Alzheimer Society of Canada is a nationwide, not-for-profit health organization dedicated to helping people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The Society develops and provides support and educational programs for people with the disease, their families and their caregivers. The Society is also a leading funder of Alzheimer research and training in Canada. In 2006, the Society and its partners funded 24 new grants and training awards, amounting to almost $3 million.
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