A new program called Minds in Motion that the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is putting on will be held at the Carman Active Living Centre on Fridays from 1-3 p.m. (Jan. 12 – March 8).
Residents are encouraged to note brain changes in neighbours and friends and invite them to this new Minds in Motion group. The eight-week program is designed for those with early to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Those affected attend with a family member, friend, or caregiver.
“Each session starts with exercise for the first 45 minutes, and then we have a good coffee break with snacks,” said Rebecca Atkinson, Southcentral Regional Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba. “And then we play social cognitive games or challenges or activities.”
“It’s supposed to be fun. It’s not a place to learn about dementia and express the challenges with it. It’s not a support group or education session. It’s just about coming out and having fun in a safe, inclusive way that is helpful to the approach of dealing with dementia.”
The Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba has run the Minds in Motion program for many years in Winnipeg and communities throughout the province, but it was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Atkinson notes that it’s been a little slow getting the program going again since COVID-19. They have one going in Altona and are trying to get Carman going.”
The new Minds in Motion group can provide respite so that people who join will get to do something fun, create new memories with their partner, and even make some new friends with whom they have some common ground.
“The bigger goal is to have dementia-friendly communities, where someone with dementia can attend the pool game at the Centre, for example, and it would be modified for people with dementia and support where support is needed,” said Atkinson. “That’s more of a global initiative to build awareness about dementia.”
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, and those affected will see symptoms gradually get worse.
But the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba says physical activity combined with mental and social stimulation, like the activities done in Minds in Motion, can slow the disease’s progress.
If you or someone you know is interested in the program, please call Linda to register at 204-745-2356 or email carmanalc@gmail.com. Carman Active Living Centre is taking registrations for this program. And it costs $65 per couple for the eight-week, two-hour program.
