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Welcome to ”Cognitive Connections: Conversations on Dementia” hosted by Carrie Candy from the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. Explore dementia, its challenges, and progress in this space of connection. Whether you’re living with dementia, a care partner, healthcare professional, or simply curious, tune in for meaningful discussions.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
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
Friday May 03, 2024
Journey of a Care Partner with Jag
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
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
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Young Onset Dementia with Cindy McCaffery
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
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
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Healthy Brain Aging with Dr. Marc Poulin
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
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
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Amplified for Alzheimer's with Brenda Jackson
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
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
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Breaking Barriers in Dementia Care with Navjot Gill
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Navjot Gill is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, specializing in the experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners. She shares her personal journey with her grandmother's dementia diagnosis and highlights the cultural and linguistic barriers that exist within the South Asian community. Navjot emphasizes the need for culturally inclusive resources and services that can support individuals and families affected by dementia. She also discusses the significance of representation and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding dementia in South Asian communities.
Resources
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
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Special: Connecting Through Hockey - AFO's Impact on Dementia
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Former NHL player Jason Strudwick joins the podcast to discuss the Alzheimer’s Face Off Pro-Am Hockey Tournament (AFO). Jason shares his involvement in the event this April, highlighting its purpose of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research while fostering a sense of community among participants. From the excitement of draft night to the luncheon and heartfelt connections made, Jason provides insights into the wide impact of the AFO tournament in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Through his personal experiences, Jason invites listeners into the world of hockey coming together for a meaningful cause.
Resources:
Alzheimer’s Face Off: https://alzheimersfaceoff.ca
Champions Luncheon: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TicketingCatalog.aspx?eventid=385710&langpref=en-CA&Referrer=https%3a%2f%2fadmin.e2rm.com%2f
AFO Volunteering: https://form.jotform.com1/231635357859266
Learn about the Alzheimer Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWd0ox-OZMA&ab_channel=HelpForDementia
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Insights from the Landmark Study with Research Scientist Dr. Armstrong
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Dr. Joshua Armstrong, a research scientist with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, discusses their latest study that explores the impacts of dementia on different populations, including young onset, gender differences, ethnic origins, and indigenous communities. Dr. Armstrong highlights the importance of understanding their unique needs and emphasizes the role of modifiable risk factors in reducing risk.
Learn more with us
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories brings awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias; helps alleviate the personal and social consequences of the disease; provides education and support programs; and, promotes and funds research into the cause, prevention and cure.
Visit alzheimer.ab.ca find information, resources, support groups and more.