Alzheimer Society brings important message

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Gail Paquette

EMC News - "Let's face it together" was the message Darlene Jackson brought to Centre Hastings Council Wednesday evening.

As the Alzheimer Society's public education co-ordinator for Centre Hastings, Jackson presented the facts.

The Let's Face It campaign validates the importance of early detection.

"There are symptoms and some exist for up to two years before seeing a doctor," said Jackson. "This results in a huge treatment gap and prevents people from getting valuable information about medications, support and disease management."

The campaign offers materials and help for Canadians to recognize the symptoms for what they are: signs of a brain disorder that will ultimately affect 1.1 million people in Canada in the next 25 years.

There is no cure thus far but there is treatment that may slow the progression of the disease. "There is a wealth of information to help people prepare for their future needs," said Jackson.

"People living with dementia have told us that a diagnosis has been reassuring because they now had a name for what they were experiencing."

The year 2012, marks 25 years for the Alzheimer Society in Belleville-Hastings-Quinte and brings with it a new system of flagging patients. They served 20 families in the area in 2011 with six new referrals .

However, based on statistics that 1 in 11 are affected by this disease and based on population in the Centre Hastings and Madoc Township area they still have 70 families to reach.

"Our focus in 2012 will be to reach those families," said Jackson.

Jackson thanked council for their support in the use of the Arts Centre Building on the third Wednesday of every month for their support group meetings. Council unanimously passed a motion to continue their support.

"Given we are only funded 25 per cent by the government, we depend on community support. I wish to thank council for theirs. The Arts Centre is a very comforting place to meet," said Jackson.

There are monthly support groups and meetings throughout the area and tons of information a phone call away at 613-962-0892 or a click away at < www.alzheimersocietyofbhq.com>.