World Alzheimer Day has been marked on Sept. 21 since 1994; this year’s theme was a Journey of Caring.
This theme resonated with us in the Red Deer and Central Alberta office of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and N.W.T. because of our daily interactions with the caregivers, families and friends of people with dementia. These are people involved in the journey through dementia because they care deeply about someone with the disease.
We recognized the day by hosting a lovely afternoon at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre on Friday, Sept. 20, where attendees learned about the secrets of caring for themselves and living well from Dr. Allison Ronda of the Red Deer Wellness Clinic and Carol Foy of Studio Upstairs Yoga and Wellness.
We extend our grateful thanks to these two speakers, who donated their time and expertise; everyone went home with something new to think about and try.
Days like World Alzheimer Day are important to recognize the significant strides being made toward increasing awareness and combating the stigma surrounding dementia. This year also served as an opportunity to learn how to live well — with or without dementia.
Janice Fogarty
Manager, Community Relations
Alzheimer Society of Alberta and N.W.T.
Red Deer and Central Alberta office