The staff at The Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District are pictured at the office located at 122 Pitt Street in Cornwall. In addition to a lot of good information on the subject, there is a sense of friendliness and warmth which permeates the office. From the left: Jenna Mancini, Birgit Lueck, Tanya Dawson, Jeanne Poirier, Donna MacGillivray, Amanda Quenneville, Lise Fortin and Josée Leduc. Absent from photo: Taylor Seguin. Thompson Goddard Photo

CORNWALL – The Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District is a non-profit organization working to assist people across the local area, which encompasses both rural and urban communities, to advocate for, support and educate about the effects of dementias like Alzheimer Disease.

“We are truly grateful for the funding we receive from Ontario Health; however, it does not fully cover the cost of all our programs. That is why our fundraising efforts are so important. They help bridge the gap, ensuring we can continue to offer high-quality programs while also raising meaningful awareness in the communities we serve.” commented ASCD Executive Director Donna MacGillivray.

Dementia encompasses several neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer is the most common type of dementia. Dementia can include several issues surrounding a decline in cognitive abilities, such as issues with memory, behaviour, and motor control. It is progressive, degenerative meaning that it will get worse in time. Dementia is not part of normal aging. There are over 100 types of dementia ex.: Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontal Temporal Dementia.

The ASCD office is located at 122 Second Street West and serves the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, Cornwall and Akwesasne.  Services are available in both French and English and in a variety of ways which include in-person, on-line, by phone with drop-in visits available during the time which the office is open.

Support groups, adult day programs, Project Lifesaver® and Minds in Motion®, and education and training are among the services offered by ACSD.

Project Lifesaver® is a program which provides a variety of first responders and caregivers with information and techniques to assist in helping, locate and bring home people with dementia who go missing.

Minds in Motion® is a community-based social program which incorporates “physical activity and mental stimulation for people living with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners.” Each session is two hours in duration and delivered for eight-weeks.

Those who wish to support this community non-profit organization who seeks to provide help and hope to people living with dementia and their families can do so by donating online or in person. Several fundraising events are coming up this spring and summer.

For example, for those who enjoy fishing, the annual “Fishing for A Cure Pike Tournament” is scheduled for May 2 at the Blue Anchor Restaurant in Glen Walter.

Also, three “Walk for Alzheimer’s events” scheduled for May 30 in Cornwall, May 31 in Alexandria and May 31 in Rockland.  A steak dinner fundraiser will be held on June 12 at the Windsor Tavern in Vankleek Hill and for the sports minded there is a Slo-Pitch Tournament scheduled for July 4 at the Vankleek Hill Community Centre.

More information available on their Facebook page, website located at http://alzheimer.ca/cornwall or by calling the organization at 613-932-4914.

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