Local Alzheimer’s Society to Host Conversations on Aging and Memory Loss During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

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As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Huron Perth Alzheimer’s Society is inviting Stratford area residents to explore the issues of aging and memory loss through different conversations and programs to be held locally and virtually. In the next weeks.

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Alzheimer’s 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 24 at 1:30 pm, Dr. Alexandrea Peel, a local geriatrician who specializes in the aging process, will give a virtual presentation on Zoom on important issues facing seniors. 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 that will allow participants to ask questions about anything related to aging and memory loss.

“We’re really lucky to have a geriatrician in Huron-Perth,” said Jeanette Sears, Huron Perth public education coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Society. “There are many places in Ontario where they 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. Participants who wish to ask questions while maintaining their privacy can email Christy Bannerman, Alzheimer’s Society Huron Perth public education coordinator, at christyb@alzhp.ca or call 519-271-1910.

Starting January 31, the local Alzheimer’s Society will expand its four-week online Aging and Memory program to residents of Perth, Stratford and St. Marys County. Designed by medical experts for anyone experiencing natural age-related memory changes, participants will meet for a weekly Zoom session on four consecutive Tuesdays beginning January 31 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sessions focus on what memory is, how it changes with age, and when to worry. Participants will also learn how to make brain-healthy lifestyle choices and employ practical memory strategies.

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“It is for anyone. It is not necessary to have a diagnosis of dementia. It’s really geared towards older people who are interested in learning more about how their memory is changing. … The most important thing about this course is that people really build trust. Many times when people notice changes in their memory, they are afraid to say anything because they are afraid that they will be the only ones noticing those changes. So it’s such a relief to be in a group of people where everyone says, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve experienced that too,’” Sears said.

Residents can register for the Memory and Aging program online by visiting us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsd-Cupj0jG9KwjiWiNl0lzdNsb6ucEUa0.

Also as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Bannerman is presenting 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 disease and memory loss that results from natural aging. . Those who missed the first session are encouraged to attend the remaining two sessions in Stratford: Games and Recipes to Optimize Brain Health at 2 pm on January 20 and Research and Medical Advances in Brain Health at 2 pm on January 27. January.

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For more information on Alzheimer’s Awareness Month events at the library and other Perth County libraries, check the events calendar on your local library’s website.

While local programs and events are meant to bring information and education about dementia, aging, and natural memory loss to the public, Sears also stressed the importance of connecting with the local Alzheimer’s Society for those who have been diagnosed with dementia. or Alzheimer’s. Through the partnership, patients and their families can access helpful information and resources, a wide range of programs and services to help strengthen brain health and teach coping strategies, and in-home recreational and social programs.

For more information, visit alzheimer.ca/perth/en.

gsimmons@postmedia.com