Local Alzheimer Society to host conversations around aging and memory loss during Alzheimer's Awareness Month

The Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth is hosting several conversations and programs focused around aging and memory loss as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in January.

As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth is hosting several conversations around aging and memory loss in January. (File photo)

As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth is inviting Stratford-area residents to explore the topics of aging and memory loss through different conversations and programs being hosted locally and virtually in the coming weeks.

Alzheimer Society staff and guest speakers are using this year’s month to share information on how aging can naturally affect memory and other cognitive abilities and what people can do to keep their memories sharp.

On Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m., Dr. Alexandrea Peel, a local geriatrician who specializes in the aging process, will host a virtual presentation on Zoom on important topics facing seniors. While the presentation will include information on specific topics like new medications and knowing when to stop driving, it will also conclude with an expansive question-and-answer period to allow participants to ask about anything related to aging and memory loss.

“We’re actually lucky to have a geriatrician in Huron-Perth,” said Alzheimer Society Huron Perth public education co-ordinator Jeanette Sears. “There’s many places in Ontario where they don’t have as much access to a geriatrician as we do here.”

Registration for the free session is available at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkceqpqDMiGddliVcijjKLekOO3ZjkSi96. For participants who would like to ask questions while maintaining their privacy, they can emailAlzheimer Society Huron Perth public education co-ordinator Christy Bannerman at [email protected] or call 519-271-1910.

Starting on Jan. 31, the local Alzheimer Society will be expanding its four-week Online Memory and Aging program to residents of Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys. Designed by medical experts for anyone experiencing natural, age-related changes in memory, participants will meet for weekly Zoom session for four consecutive Tuesdays starting on Jan. 31 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. These sessions focus on what memory is, how it changes with age and when to be concerned. Participants will also learn how to make healthy brain lifestyle choices and employ practical memory strategies.

“It’s for anybody. You don’t have to have a diagnosis of dementia. It’s really geared towards seniors interested in learning more about how their memory is changing. … The biggest takeaway from this course is that people actually build confidence. So many times, when people notice their memory change, they’re scared to say anything because they’re scared they’re the only one noticing those changes. So it’s such a relief to be in a group of people where everybody’s saying, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve experienced that too,’” Sears said.

Residents can register for the Online Memory and Aging program by visiting us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsd-Cupj0jG9KwjiWiNl0lzdNsb6ucEUa0.

Also part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Bannerman is hosting a three-part series at the Stratford Public Library on brain health. The first in-person session, Forgetfulness vs. the Big A: How to Tell the Difference, was held Jan. 13 and explored the differences between the early signs of Alzheimer’s and memory loss resulting from natural aging. Those who missed the first session are still encouraged to attend the remaining two sessions in Stratford: Games and Recipes for Optimizing Brain Health at 2 p.m. on Jan. 20 and Research and Medical Advances in Brain Health at 2 p.m. on Jan. 27.

For more information on the Alzheimer’s Awareness Month events at the library and other libraries across Perth County, check the events calendar on your local library’s website.

While the local programs and events are intended to provide information and education on dementia, aging and natural memory loss to the public, Sears also stressed the importance of connecting with the local Alzheimer Society for those who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Through the society, patients and their families can access helpful resources and information, a diverse range of programs and services to help strengthen brain health and teach coping strategies, and both social and in-home recreation programs.

For more information, visit alzheimer.ca/perth/en.

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