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Article posted on January 9, 2025

Alzheimer's Awareness Month January 2025

This January, let's learn more about Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and the available resources in Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and Parkland County. 

 

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia 

It is important to remember dementia and Alzheimer's are not the same thing. 

Overall, Alzheimer's is a specific disease, while dementia is a general term for a group of similar diseases, of which Alzheimer's is one.

So, every case of Alzheimer's disease is an example of dementia, but not every type of dementia is Alzheimer's. 

The term "dementia" doesn't refer to one, specific disease. Rather, it's an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. 

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all diagnoses. Alzheimer's is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging and is irreversible.

The symptoms of dementia include: 

  • Memory loss, both short-term and long-term,
  • Difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language that are severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities, and
  • Changes in mood or behaviour.

 

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease mostly overlap with other types of dementia, but there can be some differences, according to Alzheimer Society

 

Initiatives in Our Community 

The Town of Stony Plain  

Embrace the opportunity to unite with your community this January as we renew our commitment to raising awareness of dementia and fostering a more dementia-friendly Stony Plain, Spruce Grove & Parkland County.

Collaborating with regional and community partners, the Town is dedicated to developing dementia-friendly spaces and enhancing awareness of dementia. In observance of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we invite you to participate in free information sessions designed to enhance understanding and highlight local resources. Addressing the stigma associated with dementia is crucial in enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives with dignity and respect. Alzheimer's Awareness Month serves as a platform to educate residents about dementia, its impact, and the collective measures we can take to create inclusive spaces within the community. Remarkable efforts are underway in our region to establish support networks for those living with dementia. Whether you are personally navigating the challenges of dementia, supporting a friend or family member, or simply seeking knowledge, the upcoming information sessions offer a valuable opportunity to connect with service providers and deepen your understanding of dementia in our community.

Residents are encouraged to participate in information sessions scheduled this month:

 

 

 

Visit our Alzheimer’s Awareness Month or Dementia Connections webpage for more information and to register for upcoming sessions.

For WestView PCN related services, visit these sections: Adult Mental Health, Adult Community Health Navigator, Older Adult Community Health Navigator, Social Worker, Virtual Care Clinic. Or, check out all of our services on this page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Last Updated: Thursday, January 09, 2025



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