Living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can often be a lonely and frustrating journey, but there is a program designed to lighten the path.
Minds in Motion will soon be launching their winter session. Designed by the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, these unique weekly sessions connect people living with early to moderate signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and their care partners through fitness, fun, and friendship.
Regional coordinator Rebecca Atkinson says not only is it a great way to learn new techniques for managing the disease, but it also creates positive connections.
During each two-hour session, participants take part in a gentle exercise class followed by socially engaging activity and conversation.
“There are lots of laughs during these sessions,” Atkinson says, adding there are many benefits to the program.
While developing social skills, each activity is also intended to stimulate memory. Music, for example, is a powerful way to engage those with dementia.
“We have a songbook, and we do a lot of singing,” says Atkinson. “There’s a strong connection between music, entertainment and memory.”
Storytelling is another highlight of each session.
“We’re using verbal and visual cues. We want to ask questions to lead their brains to tell stories about what they saw, or how they felt. There’s lots of reminiscing and using the senses to get more out of their stories and pull more of their memories together.”
And there’s a secondary benefit of attending. By care partners being there, they’re seeing how the facilitator is engaged and interacting with their person with dementia.
“They’re learning techniques that they can take home with them,” Atkinson said.
While the program has a practical purpose, Atkinsons stresses Minds in Motion is focused on fun.
“We’re getting out of the house. We’re filling our time with things that are stimulating our minds, and exercising our bodies, we’re socializing, and forming a sense of community.”
More than 22,000 Manitobans have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. This number is expected to nearly double to more than 40,000 in the next 20 years. These conditions take their toll on those who battle them, as well as their families.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, and those affected will see symptoms gradually worsen. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba says physical activity combined with mental and social stimulation, like the activities done in Minds in Motion, can help slow the disease’s progress.
“They’re not just trying to recall memories, they’re also creating new ones with their care partner. Positive memories,” says Atkinson. “There is a lot of fun and engagement we can still have with someone with dementia. And this program creates a very inclusive environment to have a good time.”
The sessions, she adds, can also provide a weekly respite for the care partner where they can also have some fun while their loved one engages with others.
“It’s a change of routine, where you can watch your loved one smile and laugh in a forgiving environment where everyone understands.”
The biggest goal is helping people see that dementia is common, and that people with dementia can continue to be an active part of our lives.
“This person that you used to know isn’t the way they used to be. We have all those feelings, but if we engage them, there’s skills that work with people with dementia,” says Atkinson. “All those skills of reminiscing and remembering are all things we want to encourage people to do with people who have dementia. It’s important for care partners to see that not all their days have to feel like there’s nothing going on or there’s nothing inside. They can use this program to see some life coming back and see some joy and engagement.”
In Altona, Minds in Motion will take place at Gardens on Tenth on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 8-Feb. 26. Register with Deandra at 204-324-8945.
Sessions will also be held at the Carman Active Living Centre on Fridays from January 12 (skipping January 26) until March 8. Register with Linda at 204-745-2356 or carmanalc@gmail.com.
Come for the first session for free to see if you like it. Then it’s $65/pair for the eight-week program.
Minds in Motion offers both in-person and online options. Dates, times, and registration information for all current Minds in Motion sessions can be found at alzheimer.mb.ca/mindsinmotion.
You can also reach Atkinson at 204-325-5634.
