The Alzheimer’s Connection    

My mother and myself, (as her caregiver,) faced Alzheimer’s together the last eleven years of her life. I’m still involved as a volunteer, with Eden Gardens, a local memory care facility near my home. My writing often focuses on people living with Alzheimer’s. 

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia (60 – 80%,) and in Canada, 63 million people will develop, live with, and ultimately die from dementia between 2020 and 2050 according to the Alzheimer’s Society website. 

My intention in including Alzheimer’s in my work is to help support those with an aging parent, grandparent or a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Many of today’s families are attempting to cope with an elder with this devastating disease, given an aging population living longer and needing care. Alzheimer’s can be crippling emotionally knowing that eventually, they will not recognize you.
 
The Alzheimer’s Society is an excellent source of information, whether on their website or by enrolling in one or more of their courses. My husband and myself took a course for caregivers, over six weeks and we both found the information invaluable when communicating with Mom, as the decease progressed. We both highly recommend contacting the Alzheimer’s Society, their experience and support is indispensable. 

Alzheimer’s Society of Canada: www.Alzheimer.ca
Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.: www.azheimer.ca/bc/en