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Dementia diagnosis means changes

NANAIMO: Dementia journey requires ongoing adjustment to many changes over a long period of time.

In just five years, as many as 50 per cent more Nanaimo residents and their families could be facing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, according to the latest forecasts from the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Already one in 11 Canadians over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

“The dementia journey requires ongoing adjustment to many changes over a long period of time,” said Jane Hope, the society’s regional education and support coordinator.

The changes occur throughout the early, middle and late stages of the disease, and result in feelings of grief and loss.

Caregivers in Nanaimo can learn tools and strategies for weathering the losses in a free, six-part education program offered by the society beginning next week.

Coping with Transitions in Dementia Caregiving: Dimensions of Loss and Grief runs on Wednesdays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Alzheimer Resource Centre, 200-1585 Bowen Rd.

To register, please call 250-734-4170 or jhope@alzheimerbc.org. Group size is limited, and an individual appointment may be arranged with the facilitators to discuss your participation.