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The Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth is hosting several talks and programs focused on aging and memory loss as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in January.
As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Huron Perth Alzheimer Society is hosting several talks on aging and memory loss in January. (File photo)
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As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth is inviting Stratford-area residents to explore the topics of aging and memory loss through a variety of talks and programs hosted locally and virtually over the coming weeks.
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Alzheimer Society staff and guest speakers are using this year’s month to share information about how aging can naturally affect memory and other cognitive abilities, and what people can do to keep their memories sharp.
On January 24th at 1:30 p.m., Dr. Alexandrea Peel, a local geriatrician who specializes in the aging process, will host a virtual Zoom presentation on important topics facing older adults. While the presentation will include information on specific topics such as new medications and knowing when to stop driving, it will also conclude with an extensive question-and-answer period to allow attendees to ask about anything related to aging and memory loss.
“We’re actually lucky to have a geriatrician in Huron-Perth,” said Janet Sears, community education coordinator for Alzheimer Society Huron Perth. “There are a lot of places in Ontario that don’t have as much access to a geriatrician as we do here.”
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Registration for the free session is available at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkceqpqDMiGddliVcijjKLekOO3ZjkSi96. For participants who would like to ask questions while maintaining their privacy, they may email Alzheimer Society Huron Perth Public Education Coordinator Christy Bannerman at christyb@alzhp.ca or call 519-271-1910 .
Starting January 31, the local Alzheimer’s Society will expand its four-week online memory and aging program to cover residents of Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys. Designed by medical experts for anyone experiencing natural age-related memory changes, participants will meet for a weekly Zoom session for four consecutive Tuesdays beginning January 31 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. These sessions focus on what memory is, how it changes with age, and when we should be concerned. Participants will also learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices and use practical memory strategies.
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“This is for everyone. You do not need to have a diagnosis of dementia. It’s really aimed at older people who are interested in learning more about how their memory changes. … The biggest takeaway from this course is that people actually build confidence. So many times when people notice a change in their memory, they are afraid to say anything because they are afraid they are the only ones noticing these changes. So it’s such a relief to be in a group of people where everyone’s like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve been through that too,'” Sears said.
Residents can register for the online memory and aging program by visiting us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsd-Cupj0jG9KwjiWiNl0lzdNsb6ucEUa0.
Also as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Bannerman is hosting a three-part series at the Stratford Public Library on brain health. The first in-person session, Forgetting vs. the Big A: How to Tell the Difference, took place on January 13 and explored the differences between the early signs of Alzheimer’s and the memory loss that results from natural aging. Those who missed the first session are still encouraged to attend the remaining two sessions in Stratford: Games and Recipes for Optimizing Brain Health at 2pm on 20 January and Research and Medical Advances in Brain Health at 2pm: 00 hours on January 27.
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For more information about Alzheimer’s Awareness Month events at the library and other Perth County libraries, check the events calendar on your local library’s website.
While the local programs and events are designed to provide information and education about dementia, aging and natural memory loss to the public, Sears also emphasized the importance of connecting with the local Alzheimer’s Society for those who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Through the community, patients and their families can access helpful resources and information, a diverse range of programs and services to help promote brain health and teach coping strategies, as well as social and home respite programs.
For more information, visit alzheimer.ca/perth/en.
gsimmons@postmedia.com
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