Founded over 25 years ago, the Alzheimer Society remains dedicated to helping people affected by the disease and their family members. The Society includes a national office, 10 provincial organizations and more than 140 local groups in Canada alone.For the first year ever, Alzheimer's Â鶹ÊÓƵ Africa will be organizing World Alzheimer's Month, in hopes of raising awareness through events across the continent. This year's theme will be "Dementia: Living Together."The disease is a vicious progressive ailment that destroys vital brain cells. Currently there is no known cure for the illness but medications are available that can aid some people with a small number of the symptoms. What many don't know is that Alzheimer's can strike adults of any age. It does mostly occur in people over the age of 65, but according to the Medical Review Board 5% of all Alzheimer's patients are between 30 and 40. This is known as early-onset Alzheimer's disease. It is estimated that 450,000 Canadians, or one in 13 over the age of 65, currently have Alzheimer's and related diseases.The Alzheimer's Society announced that the 2012 Coffee Break kick off would be Sept. 21 in conjunction with World Alzheimer's day, although communities were encouraged to choose any day throughout the month. Since it began 15 years ago, Saskatchewan Coffee Breaks have raised $925,000, which has helped provide much needed programs and services and fund world class research for the people in our province affected by Alzheimer's disease.What is extremely credible is that Moose Mountain Lodge in Carlyle has been participating the full 15 years. To celebrate their years of dedication, they held a coffee event, inviting the community along with residents of the building and their families. Mel and Friends, a band which is often found at Moose Mountain Lodge, played some of the older tunes to keep the crowd moving. After all, keeping active can keep the mind sharp.
