Letter To The Editor

Alzheimer Society says 'thank-you' for donations

To the editor:

The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is proud to be a member of the University of Saskatchewan Charitable Donations Payroll Deductions Program. We are grateful for the support we receive from those who have designated us to receive their charitable contributions. Thank You!

Imagine for a minute what your life would be like if the simple tasks that you perform everyday became unfamiliar or too difficult to accomplish. What if you lost your way on your own street or your spouse and children seemed like strangers to you? How would you feel if simple words were beyond your grasp or you became angry for no apparent reason? If you can imagine this then you can imagine what it would be like to have Alzheimer Disease.

Now imagine what it would be like to be experiencing these things, or to be witnessing these changes in a loved one and feel that there is nowhere to turn for help. Fortunately here in Saskatchewan people can turn to us - the Alzheimer Society Of Saskatchewan.

There are 15,000 people in Saskatchewan who have Alzheimer Disease or a related dementia. It is estimated that this number will triple by the year 2031. Over 52% of the population know someone who has Alzheimer Disease and 25% of people have a family member with the disease. Alzheimer Disease progressively destroys brain cells and is always fatal. There is no known cause or cure.

The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan provides education, support, and information, to individuals who have Alzheimer Disease, their families, caregivers, professionals and the community. We advocate on behalf of people affected by Alzheimer Disease for better care and better access to care. We provide hope for tomorrow by funding research for a cause and a cure.

There is extensive research happening right here in Saskatchewan. Dr. Debra Morgan of the University of Saskatchewan's Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health has and continues to conduct research into dementia care in rural settings. Dr. Norma J. Stewart at the College of Nursing has conducted research regarding the physical environment of special care units. Dr. Earl DeCoteau at the Saskatoon City Hospital Geriatric Program is conducting Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer Disease trials in several areas. Most recently we have partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the Institute of Aging to fund Young Investigator Grants to encourage young scientists to engage in Alzheimer Research.

Thank you to those who have helped us provide 'Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow.' Your support will go far to create a world without Alzheimer Disease while enhancing the lives of those it touches.

Joanne Bracken
Executive Director
Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan