“Dementia does not discriminate”: Event supports those living with Alzheimer’s

The Simcoe County Museum was bustling with activity on Sunday as people walked the routes for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

The annual walk raises much-needed funds that allow the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County to provide programs and services to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers in Simcoe County.

Nancy Portlock, wearing a cardboard cape emblazoned with photos of various members of her family, said she was there to walk in memory of her father, aunts and uncles and brother and sister who died – as well as her brother , who is currently living with Alzheimer’s.

“I see the work that happened to my brothers and sisters and the help they got … and I hope I don’t have to get that help,” she said.

Eighty-three-year-old Brian Barrett, with his family, was “in a wheelchair” for his wife and sister-in-law, both living with Alzheimer’s.

“My wife was diagnosed with dementia just over a year ago and is now in a home, and so is my sister-in-law. Hopefully the money helps,” he said when asked why this type of fundraising event is so important.

The number of people living with dementia in Canada is growing rapidly, according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, which notes that more than 1.7 million people will be living with dementia in Canada by 2050.

As the number of people affected by dementia increases, so does the need for services.

“We know that dementia does not discriminate,” Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County Executive Director Ann-Marie Kungl said during the opening ceremony.

Sunday’s walk is about coming together in support of people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their care partners in Simcoe County, said volunteer Deb McGrath, who said during the opening ceremony that her husband of 30 years was recently diagnosed with early dementia.

This was the first time Midland resident Suzanne Abray joined the event, noting that her mother has had Alzheimer’s for more than 10 years.

“She was diagnosed at about six… And it’s a brutal, cruel disease. Anything we can do to make their lives and the lives of their caregivers better, I’m all for it,” she said.

To see the crowd gathered on Sunday morning, she said, was heartwarming.

“I guess they’re preaching to the choir here … but it’s a beautiful, cohesive thing for people who are involved with people who have things to do together to feel like a solid community. Sometimes it gets very lonely being a carer,” she said, adding that a dementia diagnosis affects both the individual and their families.

“It was huge for her because she couldn’t live on her own anymore and she’s a very independent person and it affected me a lot because I’m the only carer in her life. Before I got into nursing, it was a nightmare.”

As the need for access to services continues to grow, the importance of each donation is recognized in how it helps the organization reach further in the county, according to a press release, which noted that the walk is not only a key event fundraising, but a day to recognize, celebrate and thank supporters.

This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 to support the 11,500 people living with dementia in Simcoe County.

“At IG Wealth Management — Ontario North Central, we wholeheartedly support the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County because we believe we stand together to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Ontario North Central Regional Vice President Michael Richardson .

“This cause is deeply meaningful to us because we recognize the profound impact that Alzheimer’s has on individuals, families and communities around the world. By participating in this walk, we are helping to raise awareness, fund research and support those affected by Alzheimer’s.

“Every step we take is a step toward a brighter future where we can find better treatments, improve care, and ultimately strive for a world without Alzheimer’s. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those facing this challenging disease.”