Are We Dementia Friendly? (Part 1)

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often used interchangeably as many people believe that one means the other. In fact, the distinction between the two diseases often causes confusion for the persons living with dementia, their families and caregivers. Alzheimer’s and some types of dementias remain a mystery in many ways. Therefore, the similar changes in the brain are often mixed up in every day conversation and understanding. According to National Institute on Aging, Dementia is a brain disorder that affects communication and performance of daily activities and Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms including impaired thinking and memory. It is a term that is often associated with the cognitive decline of aging. However, issues other than Alzheimer’s can cause dementia. Other types of dementia are Vascular, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The speaker will explain how those living with a diagnosis can still live a quality life with the right supports. Public awareness and understanding is needed to remove the stigma associated with dementia. Further research of what exactly causes Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will help to clear much of the confusion & stigma. Learn how you can make a difference in the lives of those living with dementia. Speaker: Shari Remus, Regional Lead, Community Relations Shari Remus is the Regional Lead of Community Relations for The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and North West Territories, Lethbridge area. In March of 2017, Shari joined the Alzheimer Society from Calgary’s fast paced corporate world where she wore many hats including corporate fundraising, communications and graphic design. Keeping busy is what Shari likes to do best, and with the IG Wealth Management’s Walk for Alzheimer’s fundraising event held each June, the annual Fall Coffee Break promotions, and January’s Alzheimer Awareness Month, she certainly does just that. Shari’s educational background includes Communications and Public Relations from the University of Calgary. Moderator: Robert Campbell Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required