According to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba there are currently over 18,400 Manitobans with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. This number is growing rapidly and by 2050 it is expected to reach over 39,100. Added to this statistic, 62% have experienced dementia with a close friend or family member who was diagnosed with the disease.

When we notice changes within ourselves or a loved one, we often don't know where to start in finding a diagnosis, in finding reliable resources and what steps to take to care for ourselves or our significant other.

The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba has been helping Manitobans for 40 years to help navigate through this confusing time.

"By all means, feel free to call the office in Brandon if you have any questions," says Regional Coordinator for the Westman Region, Christine Jefferies. "There are two regional coordinators here and one of us would be absolutely able to give you some support, even if it is to provide some information you can take back home and review and then call us back."

Jefferies says it's important for families to know who's on their team, building that support team for yourself.  "Getting to know who your doctor is, knowing who your Home Care Case Coordinator is, knowing who your Seniors' Mental Health Coordinator is, knowing how to get an Occupational Therapy assessment, all of those kinds of things," she explains. 

"So that's the kind of information that we can provide to you.  It's like, 'Okay, in my community who are the people who I can talk to?" she adds.

Please know that you are not alone, says Christine Jefferies.  

The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba offices are open for one-on-one appointments. You can also reach a comforting ear by phone or get a quick response by email. Call 204-729-8320 (Brandon), or 204-942-6622 (Winnipeg) or 1-800-378-6699 (Manitoba).

For more information visit Alzheimer Society of Manitoba - Dementia Care & Brain Health

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