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“Walk for Memories continues to be one of our most important annual awareness and fundraising events,” said Deborah Barker, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce. “The awareness aspect of our event is gaining importance as a new survey released this month shows that many Canadians ignore the possible early signs of dementia because they think they are a normal part of aging.

“Everyone who walks, and everyone who pledges a donation will make a real difference right here in our local community.”

The money raised by walkers who collect pledges on our behalf supports the information, education, support and counselling services we offer, Barker said.

“Equally important is the fact that every time a walker approaches someone to ask for a pledge they are reinforcing the message that the Alzheimer Society is active and involved in the local community.

“You are helping us reach out to people who may not be aware of our services.”

The national survey of 958 family caregivers shows 44 per cent of respondents waited a year or more from the first signs of dementia in a family member before seeing a health-care professional.

“This time lag between the first symptoms and diagnosis can have grave consequences: it limits Canadians’ access to valuable information needed to plan their care and to allow them to stay at home as long as possible,” Barker said

“It also limits their access to medication, some of which works best when taken in the early stages of the disease.”

In hindsight, three quarters said they wished their family member had been diagnosed sooner so they could have received medication to minimize symptoms.

Seventy-eight per cent said an earlier diagnosis would have helped them put their legal and financial affairs in order.

Sixty-nine per cent said an earlier diagnosis would have allowed the person to be more active in making key decisions about their own care and legal and financial matters, and would have allowed them to remain at home, and more independent, longer.

Sixty-two percent said it would have improved their ability to cope with the disease.

Supporting the Walk for Memories has never been more important, Barker said.

Walks for Memories will be held in Saugeen Shores at Saugeen District Secondary School in Port Elgin, at West Hill Secondary School in Owen Sound and at Hanover Heights Community School in Hanover. All three walks will be held on Saturday Jan. 28, 2012 with registration beginning at 9 a.m.

All of the Walks are indoors.

Again this year at the Owen Sound Walk a team challenge is being sponsored by Diana and Tony Ersser, owners of the Canadian Tire Store in Owen Sound.

Called “Steppin’ Up To The Challenge”. the team event invites businesses, organizations and families to form teams and challenge others to see who can raise the most money.

It is a friendly competition where the teams that raises the most money earns “Bragging Rights” and a keeper plaque recognizing their achievement.

To enter a team or to find our more about the challenge contact the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce in Owen Sound. (Contact information below.)

Bill Twaddle, Community Development Coordinator for the Grey-Bruce chapter, said the goal for 2011 is to increase participation in all three walks.

“We know that the Grey-Bruce community has always responded with generosity when a need is understood and we believe there are many, many people across Grey-Bruce who are willing to help.

“We are inviting anyone who has ever walked in the past to come back this year, and bring at least one new walker with them. 

“If you have walked with us before we welcome you back this year. If you have never taken part, please consider this your personal invitation to join us,” he said.

“The Grey-Bruce Walks are family events and in the past we have had all ages take part, from babes in strollers to grandparents and great grandparents who know first hand the impact that Alzheimer’s disease has on individuals and families,” Barker said.

For information on the Walk for Memories and the team challenge, to receive a pledge sheet or to make a pledge contact The Alzheimer Society office at 519-376-7230 or 1-800-265-9013 or email btwaddle@alzheimergreybruce.com You can also register or make a pledge online at www.walkformemories.ca

Survey Participate in our latest Kincardine Times survey

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Sunday, January 08, 2012