If you assemble three Delta 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. They represent local families who are affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
This insight has led the society to bring its free workshop, Getting to Know Dementia, to the area. The introductory workshop will run on Saturday, Oct. 19.
"Participants will receive basic information on dementia and the impact it has on the individual, their care partners and their support network," explains Laura Feldman, the society's First Link co-ordinator for South Delta and Richmond.
The workshop provides an opportunity to learn about the diagnosis, programs and services available in the community, the importance of planning for the future and strategies for living well.
People with a diagnosis of dementia, care partners and family members are all invited to attend.
The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Delta Hospice's Centre for Supportive Care in Ladner. Pre-registration is required by contacting Feldman at 604-238-7393 or lfeldman@alzheimerbc.org. The workshop is free. More information on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and resources for living with their impact, is available by visiting www.alzheimerbc. org.
