As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts is ramping up efforts to educate the community on the crucial services available for individuals battling dementia.

Public education coordinator Erin Celebre emphasized the remarkable interest and participation level in the workshops and sessions conducted throughout the month. “There's always a lot of interest in the workshops and sessions that we do, and they are well-attended,” she stated. These sessions happen monthly across various locations, but January brings a special focus on raising awareness through additional booths and informational displays.

Celebre expressed the importance of supporting individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, saying, “Supporting people living with dementia and their care partners is a really important part of what we do.”

Dementia is a pressing concern in Canada, impacting over half a million people, with one in five Canadians having experienced caring for someone with the condition. Alarmingly, Alzheimer’s Canada highlights persistent stigmatizing attitudes that misrepresent the realities of dementia, often overshadowing the experiences of those affected and their support networks.

Furthermore, the organization brought to attention the insufficient resources in many long-term care homes and hospitals, which are not adequately equipped to meet the specific needs of individuals living with dementia.

For those affected in the region, there are several key events coming up that you won’t want to miss! Kick off your knowledge on January 13 with the “Introduction to Dementia and Communication” session in North Bay, taking place at 140 King Street West from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Don’t forget to register in advance, as space is limited!

The popular Dementia Learning Series will also return to The Empire in North Bay at 425 Fraser Street, offering sessions on January 15, 22, and 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. These informative sessions are free and a great opportunity to enhance your understanding of dementia care.

In addition, the Alzheimer Society is setting up awareness booths throughout the region, welcoming all community members to visit and learn about resources and programs. Here’s where you can find them: - January 14: North Bay Mall (North Bay) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - January 21: West Nipissing Public Library (Sturgeon Falls) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - January 28: Au Chateau (Sturgeon Falls) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - January 30: Wellwise (North Bay) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

But that’s not all! On January 20, you can visit the East Ferris Public Library in Astorville for an extensive resource display on dementia, with additional resources available at the North Bay Public Library and at 250 Clark in Powassan.

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this significant awareness campaign—visit the Alzheimer Society of Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts’ website for more information and to register for the sessions. Together, we can help break the stigma surrounding dementia and improve the support available for those affected!