More than 100 people walked to raise money and awareness for those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s was held Saturday, with participants able to attend in-person at Bower Ponds or virtually.
Laurie Grande, client services team manager (south) for the Alzheimer Society’s Alberta and Northwest Territories region, said this is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for the nonprofit organization
“These funds that we raise here help deliver programs free of charge,” Grande explained.
“These events are very important because they help us continue to provide our services to those who need it.”
Approximately 50,000 people in Alberta have been diagnosed with dementia, said Grande.
“They are living in community, as well as care homes. Often they and their families require support in navigating the health care system and navigating the journey of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Grande.
For people over the age of 65, one in every six women and one in every 11 men are diagnosed, she said.
“The risk doubles every five years after the age of 65. Of course, age is the biggest risk factor, so the older our population is getting, the more we see of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,” said Grande.
“It requires a real community of support to help somebody.”
Dave Nuth, IG Wealth Management regional director, said Alzheimer’s affects more than just one person.
“It’s very much a disease of not just the individual, but of the whole family,” Nuth said.
“You can only imagine your mom, dad or even a brother or sister, and all of a sudden, they don’t know who you are.”
The money raised at the Red Deer walk goes to support Central Albertans, Nuth added.
Grande said she’d like to thank Collegiate Sports Medicine for being on hand to provide first aid if necessary.
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is Canada’s biggest walk fundraising event for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The event aims to send a message of hope to the 564,000 Canadians currently living with dementia, and the thousands more who care for them. There are several walks held across the country.
For more information on the Alzheimer Society, visit www.alzheimer.ca.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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