Talk the talk while you walk the walk

NEWS RELEASE

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF
SAULT STE. MARIE
AND ALGOMA DISTRICT

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Alzheimer Society Walk for Memories combats misinformation about dementia while raising funds for local programs

National awareness campaign aims to change public perceptions about the disease

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District Walk for Memories has an urgent message this year, encouraging people to “talk the talk while they walk the walk.”

“Misconceptions about dementia prevent people from getting the early treatment they need,” explains Society Executive Director Carolyn Cybulski. “Before we can accept and include people with dementia, we need to get past our fear. This January, as part of Alzheimer Awareness month, we are urging people to combat the stigma around dementia and talk about the disease and its impact.”

The local Walk is on Sunday, January 27th at White Pines Secondary School. Supporters can donate or register to walk and collect pledges online.

Funds raised remain here to fund programs and services for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

One in ten Ontarians over the age of 65 are now living with this disease.

The local chapter has seen over 50 percent increase in the number of people they have helped in the last five years.

The Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District helps people during the entire disease process with a constant lifeline to support and information.

The goals of awareness month are backed up by a report released by Alzheimer’s disease International in September 2012.

World Alzheimer Report 2012: Overcoming the stigma of dementia showed that 40 percent of people with the disease felt they had lost touch with friends and family after disclosing their diagnosis.

Such stigma has other negative effects. It can make light of this serious medical condition and cause feelings of shame among people living with the disease.

Registration begins at 12 noon and the walk starts at 1 p.m.

To join the Walk, or for more information about the Walk for Memories, visit walkformemories.ca or call 705-942-2195.
 
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