If you assemble three Courtenay residents in a room, chances are good one of them knows someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
That’s how prevalent the disease has become, according to the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C.
The statistics are more than just numbers for Jane Hope, the society’s support and education co-ordinator for the Comox Valley. She works with local families every day who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias — people just like the 36 per cent of Canadians who know someone who is living with the disease.
To help local families, the society will run a free introductory workshop, Getting to Know Dementia on Feb. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lower Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Ave.
Participants will receive basic information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and the challenges of receiving a diagnosis. They will also learn about the different types of support available throughout the dementia journey, and how to begin planning for the future.
People with a diagnosis of early dementia, care partners and family members are all invited to attend.
Pre-registration is required. To sign up, call Courtenay Recreation at 250-338-1000 or 250-338-5371. Donations would be gratefully accepted.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, contact Hope toll-free at 1-800-462-2833, e-mail jhope@azheimerbc.org, or visit www.alzheimerbc.org.
— Alzheimer Society of B.C.