Dr. Joshua Armstrong, a research scientist with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, discusses their latest study that explores the impacts of dementia on different populations, including those with young onset dementia, gender differences, ethnic origins, and indigenous communities. Dr. Armstrong highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of each group and emphasizes the role of modifiable risk factors in reducing dementia risk. He also shared the increasing projections for the growth of dementia in the Asian population in Canada. Dr. Armstrong advocates for tailored interventions and comprehensive strategies to address dementia’s challenges. Resources: Landmark Study #2: https://alzheimer.ca/en/the-many-faces-of-dementia-in-canada-landmark-study-volume-2 Landmark Study #1: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia/landmark-study-report-1-path-forward Reports on Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research 10 Priorities for Dementia Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/10-priorities-dementia-research-canada Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Heunjung Lee discusses her approach to understanding dementia through arts and humanities, challenging the stigma, and reframing the reality perception of people living with dementia. She  shares her research on using art to promote better quality of life in care homes and highlights the importance of recognizing and promoting the enduring abilities of individuals with dementia. Heunjung emphasizes the power of arts in creating connections, challenging stigma, and raising fundamental questions about our perception of dementia. Heunjung Lee is a PhD candidate in Performance Studies and an instructor at the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on how performance practices and theories can challenge ageism and stigma around dementia. She has created a research-based art piece called ”Across Time Through Dementia” and has been awarded and invited to several exhibitions. Resources Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy Care Partner resources: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds Heunjung’s Research: Heunjung Lee. ”En/Countering Ageism Together: All the Sex I’ve Ever Had by Mammalian Diving Reflex.” Theatre Research in Canada 44.1, 2023, pp. 82-102. https://doi.org/10.3138/tric-2022-0004 Heunjung Lee and Xavia A. Publius, ”Getting Our Flowers Now: Ageing Trans and Queer Bodies in Gardenia (2010) and Gardenia - 10 Years Later (2021).” European Journal of Theatre and Performance, Issue 6, 2023, pp. 126-169. https://journal.eastap.com/eastap-issue-6/. Heunjung’s Artwork: Heunjung Lee. ”A Cross Time through Dementia.” Education and Research Archive. https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-1yzh-1910 Note: From a biomedical perspective, dementia is defined as a neurodegenerative condition, however, there is an emerging view that dementia should be included in the neurodivergent group. While pointing out the risks and tensions that ensues by including dementia in neurodiversity, Linda Örulv (2023) has argued that a neurodiversity perspective or paradigm can be applied to dementia “insofar as it points to how [normative models of functioning] limit our possibilities to act and interact in society, thereby alienating and marginalising minorities that diverge from them” (248). Örulv, Linda. ”18 Neurodiversity and dementia.” Critical Dementia Studies (2023): 247.

Dr. Sutherland, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, discusses his research on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He focuses on understanding the pathology of the disease and discusses the role of proteins, the immune system and things he has found surprising in his research. Dr. Sutherland’s research focuses on the abnormal proteins, amyloid beta and tangled tau, that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. He is particularly interested in understanding how these proteins spread throughout the brain and the mechanisms behind their misfolding. One surprising finding from his research is that the amount of amyloid plaque in the brain does not necessarily correlate with the severity of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Dr. Sutherland also discusses the role of the immune system, specifically microglia, in Alzheimer’s disease and how different forms of microglia may affect the progression of the disease. He emphasizes the importance of a multi-pronged therapeutic approach to Alzheimer’s disease, combining different treatments to target various aspects of the condition. Resources Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia Reducing Stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds Support Groups: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support Ways to Donate: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Christine discusses her role as the lead for the ASANT Cafe, an online learning community platform that has since become a valuable resource for education, webinars, and support for individuals living with dementia and their families. She shares her background in social work and how she became involved in dementia care and highlights the importance to combat misinformation online and encourages individuals to reach out for accurate information and support. Summary Christine’s role at the Alzheimer Society. [01:00] Introduction to ASANT Cafe and its creation. [02:47] Importance of live meetings. [05:29] Brain Hub and its focus on brain health. [07:04] Seeds of Hope and its stages of dementia education. [09:09] Shift in stigma surrounding dementia. [15:14] Ways to find the ASANT Cafe. [18:08] Resources ASANT Cafe: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support Seeds of Hope: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/help-support/programs-services#Seeds_of_Hope_Family_Learning_Series Brain Hub: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/node/1716 Reducing stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Hear from George Andrews, President & CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, as he emphasizes the importance of prevention and delaying the onset of symptoms through lifestyle choices and social engagement. George also shares personal experiences and insights into the stigma surrounding dementia and the importance of creating dementia-friendly communities. Summary Introduction of George Andrews, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories [1:11] Overview of the work of the Alzheimer’s Society, including support for people living with dementia, funding research, and working with government [2:16] Discussion of the current and projected number of people living with dementia in Alberta and Canada [4:36] Importance of prevention and delaying the onset of symptoms for better quality of life [8:15] Challenges faced by the Alzheimer’s Society in terms of funding [15:46] Importance of reducing stigma and creating a supportive environment for people with dementia [19:13] 0:Focus on quality of life and the need for socialization and purpose [23:57] Overview of the research being funded by the Alzheimer’s Society [35:46] Importance of creating dementia-friendly and supportive communities [38:19] Resources Support Groups: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support Seeds of Hope: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/sites/ab/files/documents/first%20link%20seeds_jan_2020_03.pdf Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia Ways to Donate: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate Reducing Stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Doris Bonora, a partner with Dentons Canada, discusses the importance of getting legal affairs in order when a family member is diagnosed with dementia. Learn the significance of having a personal directive and enduring power of attorney in place to ensure financial and healthcare decisions can be made when the person with dementia is no longer able and hear about the benefits of leaving a charitable gift. Summary Introducing Doris and her background. [00:10] Importance of legal documents (power of attorney, personal directive). [02:04] The significance of having a will and keeping it up to date. [03:59] The role of power of attorney and personal directive as the disease progresses. [07:06] Benefits of leaving donations to charities in a will. [09:58] Seeking help from Alzheimer’s Society for legal affairs. [16:56] Importance of getting documents done and giving meaningful gifts. [19:35] Resources Seeds of Hope: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/help-support/programs-services#Seeds_of_Hope_Family_Learning_Series Planning Your Future: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-living-dementia/planning-your-future First Link Program: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/first-link Care Partner resources: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Learn from Julie Desautels about how palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and is not limited to end-of-life care. Early integration of palliative care allows individuals and care partners to plan ahead, anticipate changes, and make the most of their time together. Palliative care professionals offer guidance on symptom management, emotional support, and help individuals achieve their personal goals. Summary Introduction of Julie, the palliative care learning specialist [1:07] Overview of Julie’s nursing background and interest in palliative care [2:06] Discussion of the background and history of palliative care [4:52] Key components of palliative care [8:43] Information about the Seeds of Hope Family Learning series [13:54] Commonly asked questions about palliative care [14:44] Differences between palliative doctors and other doctors [17:59] How to get in contact with the Alzheimer’s Society [20:09] Advice for someone facing a dementia diagnosis and palliative care [21:33] Resources Support Groups: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support Seeds of Hope: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/sites/ab/files/documents/first%20link%20seeds_jan_2020_03.pdf Caring for Someone with Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia End of Life Care: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia/end-life-care Ways to Donate: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Arlene and Carrie discuss the current state of dementia in Alberta and the various programs and resources available to care partners and those with dementia. They also discuss the difference between support groups and information sessions, the importance of community and the impact of stigma on people living with dementia. In addition, they touch on the challenges faced by people with dementia in public spaces and the need for more awareness and education. Arlene’s background and what she enjoys about her work. [01:11] The current state of dementia in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. [03:07] Details on the support groups offered by the Society. [04:58] The difference between support groups and information sessions, including details on the First Link Connection program. [10:03] The importance of community and the sense of bonding that comes from attending support groups. [11:59] The impact of stigma on people living with dementia and the need for more awareness and education. [14:06] Other services offered by the Society. [20:03] Details on the First Link Connection program. [20:14] Overview of the Minds in Motion program. [22:22] The importance of self-care and community for care partners. [29:35] The role of the Society in guiding clients to the right resources. [37:12] Resources Support Groups: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support First Link Connection: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/help-support/programs-services/first-linkr Minds in Motion: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/help-support/programs-services/minds-motion Care Partner resources: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Joanne Belke shares her personal journey with dementia, starting with her mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. She discusses the challenges and emotions she faced as a care partner and the impact it had on her family. Joanne highlights the importance of seeking support and finding a community of understanding through the Alzheimer’s Society. She also talks about her involvement in the Ride for Mom event and emphasizes the power of human connection and the need for continued support and research in the field of dementia. Introduction of Joanne Belke and her background [1:02] Joanne’s experience with her mother’s Alzheimer’s journey [3:22] Joanne’s first contact with the Alzheimer’s Society [5:30] The importance of connecting rather than correcting with dementia patients [7:33] Joanne’s journey with her family [11:53] Ride for Mom event [16:30] Joanne’s mom and her impact [23:49] How to get in contact with the Alzheimer’s Society [29:25] Resources Caring for Someone with Dementia: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia First Link Connection: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/help-support/programs-services/first-linkr Support Groups: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support Care Partner resources: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing Stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of dementia with the Cognitive Connections: Conversations on Dementia podcast! With your host Carrie Candy from the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, we are thrilled to bring you insightful conversations that bridge understanding and forge connections. We're breaking boundaries, challenging stigmas, and sparking conversations that truly matter.