Cognitive Connections: Conversations on Dementia

Lynn Ferguson shares her personal journey with young onset dementia. She discusses how her sister first noticed changes in her behavior and how they sought medical help. Lynn talks about the shock of receiving the diagnosis and the initial feelings of sadness and fear. However, she emphasizes that life doesn't end with a dementia diagnosis and that there is still so much to live for. Lynn shares her daily routine, coping strategies, and the importance of understanding and respecting her own needs. She also highlights the need for more awareness and education around dementia, and encourages others to live their lives to the fullest. Resources: Young Onset Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/young-onset-dementia Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Al Matheson is a dedicated care partner who has been caring for his wife, Joanne, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2015. Al has been with Joanne for over 50 years and shares his experience and insights into the challenges and lessons he has learned throughout his caregiving journey. He emphasizes the importance of seeking support from organizations like the Alzheimer's Society and highlights the need for greater awareness and support for individuals in the end-of-life stage of dementia. Al also discusses the impact of the disease on his family and the importance of self-care for care partners.   Resources: Young Onset Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/young-onset-dementia Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Jag's journey began when his wife, Carol Lynn, was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia. Jag discusses the journey from the initial signs and symptoms to the diagnosis and the rapid progression. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and early intervention in managing dementia. Jag also highlights the role of the Alzheimer Society in providing support, resources, and a supportive community for care partners. He shares his personal struggles and the impact of caregiving on his mental health. Resources: Young Onset Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/young-onset-dementia Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Cindy McCaffrey, co-founder of YouQuest, a charity that operates a wellness day program for individuals under the age of 65 living with dementia. Cindy shares her personal journey with her husband's diagnosis of young onset dementia and how it inspired her to create a program that provides socialization, stimulating activities, and respite for care partners. She discusses the challenges faced by young onset dementia patients and their families, the importance of peer support and community, and the need for more awareness and support in the workplace. Cindy also highlights the role of recreational therapists in YouQuest's program and the positive impact of physical activity and social engagement on individuals with dementia. Resources: YouQuest:https://youquest.ca/ Young Onset Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/young-onset-dementia Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465  

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the significance of lifestyle choices, the latest in dementia research, and the importance of reliable information sources. Dr. Poulin also shares personal stories with his own family's journey with dementia.   Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia Reducing Stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds Support Groups: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support Ways to Donate: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Brenda Jackson is the driving force behind Amplified for Alzheimer's, an event that raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's and dementia research. Brenda shares her personal connection to the cause and how she got involved with volunteering and organizing the event. She discusses the inspiration behind Amplified for Alzheimer's and how it grew from a small music event to a seven-hour festival with multiple bands. Brenda also talks about the importance of community support and the impact of volunteering. She shares her experience organizing the event and the satisfaction she derived from it. Brenda emphasizes the need for more awareness and support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Resources: ASANT Cafe: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support Seeds of Hope: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/help-support/programs-services#Seeds_of_Hope_Family_Learning_Series Brain Hub: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/node/1716 Reducing stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Navjot Gill is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, specializing in the experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners. She shares her personal journey with her grandmother's dementia diagnosis and highlights the cultural and linguistic barriers that exist within the South Asian community. Navjot emphasizes the need for culturally inclusive resources and services that can support individuals and families affected by dementia. She also discusses the significance of representation and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding dementia in South Asian communities. Resources Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465  

Former NHL player Jason Strudwick joins the podcast to discuss the Alzheimer’s Face Off Pro-Am Hockey Tournament (AFO). Jason shares his involvement in the event this April, highlighting its purpose of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research while fostering a sense of community among participants. From the excitement of draft night to the luncheon and heartfelt connections made, Jason provides insights into the wide impact of the AFO tournament in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Through his personal experiences, Jason invites listeners into the world of hockey coming together for a meaningful cause. Resources: Alzheimer’s Face Off: https://alzheimersfaceoff.ca Champions Luncheon: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TicketingCatalog.aspx?eventid=385710&langpref=en-CA&Referrer=https%3a%2f%2fadmin.e2rm.com%2f AFO Volunteering: https://form.jotform.com1/231635357859266 Learn about the Alzheimer Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWd0ox-OZMA&ab_channel=HelpForDementia

Dr. Joshua Armstrong, a research scientist with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, discusses their latest study that explores the impacts of dementia on different populations, including young onset, gender differences, ethnic origins, and indigenous communities. Dr. Armstrong highlights the importance of understanding their unique needs and emphasizes the role of modifiable risk factors in reducing risk.

Heunjung Lee discusses her approach to understanding dementia through arts and humanities, challenging the stigma and reframing the reality of people  with dementia. She shares her research on using art to promote a better quality of life and the importance of recognizing the abilities of individuals with dementia. Heunjung emphasizes the power of arts in creating connections and raising fundamental questions about our perception of dementia.

Dr. Sutherland, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, discusses his research on Alzheimer's disease and dementia. He focuses on understanding the pathology of the disease and discusses the role of proteins, the immune system and things he has found surprising in his research.

Christine discusses her role as the lead for the ASANT Cafe, an online learning community platform that has since become a valuable resource for education, webinars, and support for individuals living with dementia and their families. She shares her background in social work and how she became involved in dementia care and highlights the importance to combat misinformation online and encourages individuals to reach out for accurate information and support.

Hear from George Andrews, President & CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, as he emphasizes the importance of prevention and delaying the onset of symptoms through lifestyle choices and social engagement. George also shares personal experiences and insights into the stigma surrounding dementia and the importance of creating dementia-friendly communities.

Doris Bonora, a partner with Dentons Canada, discusses the importance of getting legal affairs in order when a family member is diagnosed with dementia. Learn the significance of having a personal directive and enduring power of attorney in place to ensure financial and healthcare decisions can be made when the person with dementia is no longer able to, and hear about the benefits of leaving a charitable gift.

We hear from Julie Desautels, the Palliative Care Learning Specialist for the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. With a nursing background and experience in various healthcare environments, Julie is passionate about providing compassionate care and support to individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Arlene and Carrie discuss the current state of dementia in Alberta and the various programs and resources available to care partners and those with dementia. They also discuss the difference the importance of community and the impact of stigma on people living with dementia. Arlene also touches on the challenges faced by people with dementia in public spaces, what can be done and the need for more awareness and education.

Joanne Belke shares her personal journey with dementia, starting with her mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. She discusses the challenges and emotions she faced as a care partner and the impact it had on her family. Joanne highlights the importance of seeking support and finding a community of understanding through the Alzheimer’s Society. She also talks about the power of human connection and the need for continued support and research in the field of dementia.

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of dementia with the Cognitive Connections: Conversations on Dementia podcast! With your host Carrie Candy from the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, we are thrilled to bring you insightful conversations that bridge understanding and forge connections. We're breaking boundaries, challenging stigmas, and sparking conversations that truly matter.

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of dementia with the Cognitive Connections: Conversations on Dementia podcast! With your host Carrie Candy from the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, we are thrilled to bring you insightful conversations that bridge understanding and forge connections. We're breaking boundaries, challenging stigmas, and sparking conversations that truly matter.