With the rate of dementia on the rise in the greater Kawarthas region, the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton (PKLNH) is hosting a special event on Thursday, October 30 to explore issues related to research, advocacy, and more.
“Dementia on the Front Lines” will bring to light the state of dementia in the region and feature experts on a variety of subjects. Subtitled “The truth about where we stand and what’s next,” the event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club at 1030 Armour Road.
While the event is free to attend, space is limited and advance registration is required at dementiatalk.ca.
According to the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH, approximately 15,000 people are living with dementia in the four-county region the organization supports. Expert speakers at the October 30 event will spotlight specific aspects of dementia from the front lines of research, treatment, advocacy, and delivery of services and supports.
Alzheimer Society of PKLNH executive director Jen Johnstone told kawarthaNOW she hopes the event will help the community begin “to really understand the landscape of dementia in our region.”
“This isn’t something far away. It’s here. It touches families, friends, neighbours, and workplaces across our four counties,” she said
“Through this event, we want people to see both the challenges and the hope,” Johnstone added, noting that the society “is working hard to respond to rising rates of dementia.”
She said the society is building partnerships, expanding its programs, and fundraising to make sure people receive help when needed. The Alzheimer Society of PKLNH is also a part of provincial advocacy and research efforts that are shaping what care will look like in the future, she added.
“I hope people leave this event more informed, more connected, and ready to take part in building a more dementia-friendly community,” Johnstone said.
At the event, Jill MacPhee, director of clinical operations at Kawartha Centre, will provide an update on dementia research happening in Peterborough.
Adam Morrison, senior director of public policy and partnerships at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, will provide insight into the work the Alzheimer Society is doing to further Ontario’s provincial dementia advocacy plan.
In addition, Johnstone herself will share more about dementia care and support at a local level and what this will mean for the future.
More than 770,000 Canadians currently live with dementia, according to the Alzheimer Society, with that number expected to be close to one million by 2030.
“The best outcome would be that people walk away feeling moved to do something,” Johnstone said.
“We want them to see that everyone has a role to play. It might mean supporting a friend or neighbour living with dementia, speaking up for better local services, or helping us raise funds to meet growing demand. Knowledge is powerful, but action is what changes lives. If this event inspires even a few people to take that next step, that would be a success.”
The Alzheimer Society of PKLNH provides free, direct support to families and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. A diagnosis of dementia is not needed to reach out to the organization for assistance. Supports include dementia coaching and counselling, healthcare navigation support, educational workshops, and social recreation programs.
For more information about the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH, visit alzheimer.ca/pklnh/.
