PEC Alzheimers Society helping families face significant challenges

Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward County past presidents were honoured at a 25th year celebration barbecue. They included Linda Conley, Janet Lyons, Sterling Johnston, Doug Trumble, Joan Thissen, Jon Leavens (current president) and Mary Attersley.

Around the world, a new case of dementia occurs every four seconds and the Alzheimer Society of Canada, in its 2012 annual report, states the global impact of dementia is on the rise with 7.7 million new cases each year.
“This rapidly increasing prevalence is directly impacting Canadians,” report the society’s chairman and CEO. “Families living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias face significant challenges.”
The report notes accomplishments in the past year are resulting from partnerships with the network of Alzheimer Societies across the nation, active in more than 150 communities.
“People living with dementia count on having access to information, support services and education to give them help for today… We continue to engage decision makers with the ultimate goal of having them champion a national dementia plan.”

The Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward County is celebrating its 25th year in the community. It is also looking toward a future of challenge to keep up with the growing number of people who will need support.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive degenerative disease that attacks the brain and is not a normal part of aging.
“Dr. Robert Hopkins, Queen’s University, states that there are 540 people identified in Prince Edward County living with some form of dementia,” says PEC society president Jon Leavons. “In 10 years he estimates that that number will jump to 740. By 2030 that number will have leapt to 1,022. Our challenge is to keep up with the growing number of people who will need support.  It is so easy to run into people whose families have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease. In fact it is becoming difficult to find people who have not.”

Current services include support through groups for the individual with Alzheimer’s and family caregivers; a resource centre;  public education and awareness. The Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward County has donated $45,000 to research over the years.
Visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada at: http://www.alzheimer.ca
Contact the Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward County at: http://www.alzking.com/Prince_Edward_County_-114923.html