The incidence rate of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is growing rapidly. That means more families have to cope with the issues of caregiving.
The non-profit Alzheimer Society of BC is helping Tri-City residents prepare for those challenges with two free workshops.
The first, Getting to Know Dementia, runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Glen Pine Pavilion in Coquitlam and will cover 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, said Lori Kelly, one of the society's two local support and education co-ordinators. The 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 second workshop, Heads Up! An Introduction to Brain Health, will remind participants that their muscles aren't the only things that need a regular workout. The workshop, offering strategies for actively engaging in protecting and maintaining the brain, will run on Oct. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Coquitlam Public Library, 575 Poirier St.
Seats are limited so pre-registration is required for both workshops. Contact Lori Kelly or Kim McKercher at 604-298-0780 or [email protected] or [email protected].
The workshops are free thanks to partial funding by the province, Provincial Employees Community Services Fund, RBC Foundation, Seacliff Foundation, Pfizer Canada Inc., Merck Canada Inc., Mott Electric GP, Lohn Foundation, Al Roadburg Foundation, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Frank and Yvonne McCracken Foundation and through the contributions of individual donors.
More information: www.alzheimerbc.org.
