“You have dementia.”
It’s a phrase being heard by an ever-increasing number of Cowichan Valley residents during a medical appointment.
To help them understand this pressing health issue, the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. brings its free workshop, Getting to Know Dementia, to Duncan on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Participants will receive basic information on dementia and the impact it has on individuals, their caregivers and their support networks. 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 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Cowichan Public Library’s The Gathering Place, 2687 James St. Pre-registration is required by contacting the Central & North Island Alzheimer Resource Centre at 1-800-462-2833 or jhope@alzheimerbc.org.
The workshop is free thanks to partial funding from the Province of BC, Provincial Employees Community Services Fund, RBC Foundation, Seacliff Foundation, The Phyliss and Irving Snider Foundation, The 1988 Foundation, Paul Lee Family Foundation, Margaret Rothweiler Charitable Foundation, Tony and Mignon Fenton Trust, Newport Sales Co. Ltd., R.K. Grant Family Foundation, Frank and Yvonne McCracken Foundation, Cadillac Fairview, London Drugs Foundation, Division 15 Mechanical Ltd., Colin and Lois Pritchard Foundation, Lohn Foundation, Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation, Victoria Foundation, Jack and Doris Brown Foundation and the generous contributions of individual donors.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias visit www.alzheimerbc.org.