SUDBURY -- More than half a million people in Canada are living with dementia, which is why January is recognized as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
It’s a time to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding the disease.
Officials with the Alzheimer Society say the diagnosis can be very lonely, which is why it offers support programs to all affected.
"We try to create programs that are evidence-based. So, one of the programs that we started new this year was recreation therapy, because research indicates that if people are activated who have a diagnosis, it could help slow the progression of the disease. Our rec therapists help families learn how to keep the person living with dementia motivated and have purpose and still be involved in their day-to-day life," says Stephanie Leclair, of the Alzheimer Society.
The Alzheimer Society says the number of people accessing the services has increased, and because of the growing demand, a new pilot project will begin in Sudbury, offering overnight care on weekends.
