By Patricia Witzke
Representatives from the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba visited Fisher Branch on Friday, Feb. 13 to deliver a presentation on dementia at the Fisher Branch chalet.
The session was organized by Jordan, co-ordinator for the Fisher Branch Senior Resource, and drew a group of community members interested in learning more about the condition.
Presenters outlined several risk factors associated with dementia, including advancing age, genetics (APOE4), air pollution, family history of hearing loss, diabetes and depression.
According to Stanford Health Care, steps that may help reduce the risk of developing dementia include managing hypertension, reducing or eliminating smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, increasing daily physical activity, staying socially active and engaging in activities such as word and math puzzles.
Information about dementia care, educational programs, community resources and research funding is available through the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. The organization can be reached at its Winnipeg office at 1-204-943-6622.
Community members were encouraged to contact the society for support and information.