Help For Dementia

Tools for Care Partners with Julie Desautels

We’re joined by Julie Desautels, Palliative Care Learning Specialist, to introduce the helpfordementia.ca resource for those supporting family or friends living with dementia. Julie shares practical tools and educational resources, all designed to make navigating the care journey easier. Whether it’s finding answers to pressing questions, using the Seeds of Hope Learning Series, or planning ahead with easy-to-use checklists, this episode is full of actionable insights that every care partner can use to feel more empowered and supported.

 

Help For Dementia New Website: https://www.helpfordementia.ca/
Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia
Lynn Ferguson Episode: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-6a87d-1631f7a
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en
Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Help For Dementia - New Website and Resources

Welcome to Season 2 of the newly rebrand Help for Dementia Podcast (formerly Cognitive Connections). In this episode, we welcome back Christine McWilliam, the new Manager of Strategy and Projects at the Alzheimer Society. Christine introduces HelpforDementia.ca, the Society’s updated online resource platform. They discuss its key features, including mobile access, a support chatbot, and new educational content like the Seeds of Hope series. Tune in to learn how the platform is designed to provide reliable, accessible support for those living with dementia, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Help For Dementia New Website: https://www.helpfordementia.ca/
Support Groups: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support
Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia
Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en
Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Living Well with Young Onset Dementia with Lynn Ferguson

Lynn Ferguson shares her personal journey with young onset dementia. She discusses how her sister first noticed changes in her behavior and how they sought medical help. Lynn talks about the shock of receiving the diagnosis and the initial feelings of sadness and fear. However, she emphasizes that life doesn't end with a dementia diagnosis and that there is still so much to live for. Lynn shares her daily routine, coping strategies, and the importance of understanding and respecting her own needs. She also highlights the need for more awareness and education around dementia, and encourages others to live their lives to the fullest.

Resources:

Young Onset Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/young-onset-dementia

Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy

Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia

Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds

The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Al Shares His Experience as a Care Partner for His Wife Joanne

Al Matheson is a dedicated care partner who has been caring for his wife, Joanne, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2015. Al has been with Joanne for over 50 years and shares his experience and insights into the challenges and lessons he has learned throughout his caregiving journey. He emphasizes the importance of seeking support from organizations like the Alzheimer's Society and highlights the need for greater awareness and support for individuals in the end-of-life stage of dementia. Al also discusses the impact of the disease on his family and the importance of self-care for care partners.

 

Resources:
Young Onset Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/young-onset-dementia
Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy
Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia
Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en
Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Journey of a Care Partner with Jag

Jag's journey began when his wife, Carol Lynn, was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia. Jag discusses the journey from the initial signs and symptoms to the diagnosis and the rapid progression. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and early intervention in managing dementia.

Jag also highlights the role of the Alzheimer Society in providing support, resources, and a supportive community for care partners. He shares his personal struggles and the impact of caregiving on his mental health.

Resources:
Young Onset Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/young-onset-dementia
Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy
Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia
Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en
Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Young Onset Dementia with Cindy McCaffery

Cindy McCaffrey, co-founder of YouQuest, a charity that operates a wellness day program for individuals under the age of 65 living with dementia. Cindy shares her personal journey with her husband's diagnosis of young onset dementia and how it inspired her to create a program that provides socialization, stimulating activities, and respite for care partners. She discusses the challenges faced by young onset dementia patients and their families, the importance of peer support and community, and the need for more awareness and support in the workplace. Cindy also highlights the role of recreational therapists in YouQuest's program and the positive impact of physical activity and social engagement on individuals with dementia.

Resources:
YouQuest:https://youquest.ca/
Young Onset Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/young-onset-dementia
Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy
Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia
Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en
Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

 

Healthy Brain Aging with Dr. Marc Poulin

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the significance of lifestyle choices, the latest in dementia research, and the importance of reliable information sources. Dr. Poulin also shares personal stories with his own family's journey with dementia.

 

Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia

Reducing Stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds

Support Groups: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support

Ways to Donate: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate

The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Amplified for Alzheimer's with Brenda Jackson

Brenda Jackson is the driving force behind Amplified for Alzheimer's, an event that raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's and dementia research. Brenda shares her personal connection to the cause and how she got involved with volunteering and organizing the event. She discusses the inspiration behind Amplified for Alzheimer's and how it grew from a small music event to a seven-hour festival with multiple bands. Brenda also talks about the importance of community support and the impact of volunteering. She shares her experience organizing the event and the satisfaction she derived from it. Brenda emphasizes the need for more awareness and support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.

Resources:

ASANT Cafe: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support
Seeds of Hope: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/help-support/programs-services#Seeds_of_Hope_Family_Learning_Series
Brain Hub: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/node/1716
Reducing stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en
Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465