Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Alzheimer Society Challenges You to Walk in the Shoes of a Person with Dementia: January 31, 2015

In celebration of Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County is challenging everyone to find out what it’s like to have dementia.

On Saturday, January 31, 2015, the Alzheimer Society and Seasons Retirement Communities, with support from Amy’s Helping Hands, will have the Dementia Challenge at Devonshire Mall from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Participants will use special gloves, goggles, and other accessories to simulate impaired vision, auditory confusion, and loss of fine motor skills. They will then carry out everyday tasks.

“Aside from developing compassion for persons with dementia, the Dementia Challenge sends out the message that Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are nothing to be ashamed of,” explains Sally Bennett Olczak, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County.

Bennett Olczak adds, “The perceived stigma of dementia prevents many people from seeking help and getting diagnosed. This, in turn, delays their access to information, support, and services that can help them live better with the disease.”

The Society has invited prominent members of Windsor and Essex to take the Dementia Challenge. These include government officials, corporate executives, and media personalities.

As the number of dementia cases increases, so does the need to educate everyone about the disease and remove the stigma attached to it. To date, over 6,100 individuals in Windsor and Essex have been diagnosed with some form of dementia.

The Dementia Challenge is part of the Sixth Healthy Mind Expo. Exhibitors will provide information on: the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease; products and services available for older adults; and, ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia.



#          #          #
For more information, please contact:
Peggy Winch, Manager of Fund Development and Community Engagement
Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County
Telephone: 519-974-2220 ext. 225  |  Email: pwinch@aswecare.com  |  Website: AlzheimerWindsor.com





by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

No comments:

Post a Comment