A way forward takes community effort

Winnipeg

During Alzheimer Awareness Month, which occurs every January, community members are encouraged to take a moment to think about all those that are affected, in one way or another, by the disease.

Erin Crawford, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, said the theme of this year’s campaign is “your path forward.”

“We work to get more attention on this, and navigating different types of dementia can be overwhelming in the best of circumstances,” Crawford said.

“Typically, this means finding a community to help you connect with, providing you with credible information, and helping you feel supported. It’s also about you having the confidence in the decisions you have to make,” Crawford said, noting a sense of isolation can play a part when people are navigating a dementia diagnosis.

Crawford said the role of a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenging one, not least because of the weight of responsibility that comes with the role. And that’s where the society can help and offer support.

“You don’t want to burden people, and if you explain everything to them you don’t necessarily know what reaction you’ll get,” Crawford said.

“And it’s not a selfish thing, it’s a self-preservation thing. Finding like-minded people who understand your circumstances is important.”

“When you can process the unfiltered reality of what you’re grappling with it helps you make better decisions. When you have the weight of responsibility, but you don’t know what your best option is, it’s about finding a community — and the Alzheimer’s Society tries to step in to help,” she added.

Crawford noted there are both modifiable risk factors and non-modifiable risk factors associated with dementia, and that each case is different. She said that factors such as a good diet, not smoking or drinking alcohol, exercise, staying connected with people and keeping one’s brain stimulated are all things people can do to help mitigate their risk.

Curtis McRae’s wife, Nancy, lost her battle with young onset dementia last September at the age of 53. She was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in September 2022.

“When I’d walk into a room, Nancy would light up. I don’t have that now,” said McRae, 52, who lives in St. Andrews, Man.

McRae said he’s grateful for the support of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba for helping him on his particular journey.

“It’s been a great organization to bounce off,” McRae said, noting he attends meetings at the society in the form of a support group.

He said it’s important for caregivers to make the best of mental health supports if they are available.

Visit alzheimer.mb.ca for more information.