This article appeared in the Jan. 10, 2018 issue of the Interlake Enterprise…
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month, and a good chance to promote the Minds in Motion program, said Jan Keryluk, Community Wellness Facilitator with the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (EIRHA) in Gimli.
This program, developed by the Alzheimer’s Society, is new to Gimli. It is open to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and to those with other conditions involving cognitive challenges, for example, Parkinson’s disease or stroke.
“The Alzheimer’s Society approached us to see if this was a program we wanted to see in the community,” Keryluk said. “They wanted to branch out in the rural areas because not everyone can travel to Winnipeg to access resources. It was better to bring it to people.”
The program is currently being offered at 10 locations in Manitoba. Right now, Gimli is the only location in the EIRHA catchment area, but another will eventually come to the City of Selkirk.
Keryluk said the Gimli program is a result of many partnerships.
“The main partner is the Alzheimer’s Society who derived the program and also supports its implementation in the communities. Gimli New Horizons is a fabulous partner who donates the space. This helps keep the cost down for participants.The Senior Resource Council in Gimli provides all of the administration support for free. The EIRHA got funding through a provincial grant program called ‘Healthy Together Now’ that is administered by the community wellness teams within the province. It gave money to cover program supplies, a certified fitness leader and a music therapist who is just fabulous,” Keryluk said.
Keryluk spoke of the power of music to affect people’s cognitive health.
“A song comes on and it takes you back to a moment in time. You remember what you were wearing, who you were with. It triggers a memory. People light up with music.”
The Minds in Motion program runs for two hours on eight consecutive Mondays beginning this spring. A support person, whether a friend or family member, must sign up with the individual and participate fully in the program.
The first hour consists of physical activities, followed by a nutritional break. The second part of the day is given to mind stimulating activities.
Keryluk pointed out the people struggling with cognitive challenges often see a decline in their time spend socializing.
“This program give couples an opportunity to do that,” she said.
According to the Alzheimer Society, the Minds in Motion program will lead to improved physical and mental health for both participants. Outcomes observed in people with dementia included an increase in self confidence and a feeling of inclusion in a supportive environment where friends can be made.
Benefits for both participants include sharpened mental functioning, which can last for several days; reduced feelings of isolation; improved balance, mobility, flexibility, strength and endurance.
The statistics gathered by the Alzheimer’s Society are mind boggling:
- Currently, more than 22,500 Manitobans have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. This number is growing at alarming rate and by 2038 it is expected to reach over 40,700.
- The total economic burden of dementia in Manitoba is close to 1 billion dollars and is expected to grow to more than 28 billion by the year 2038.
- Forty-three per cent of Manitobans have a family member or close friend with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
- Almost 80 per cent of Manitobans are able to identify memory loss as a symptom of dementia. Twenty per cent feel changes in mood and behaviour or disorientation in time and place are also symptoms of the disease. Ten per cent or less recognizes the other seven warning signs.
- Sixty per cent of Manitobans feel it is possible to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Forty-five per cent mention challenging your brain and choosing a healthy lifestyle as strategies to maintain your brain health.
The Alzheimer’s Society offers various programs to assist individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. For more information visit www.alzheimer.mb.ca.
