With an increasing number of people being impacted by Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, the Salmon Arm Seniors鈥� Resource Centre (SRC) had standing room only for a presentation on Understanding Memory Loss.
More than 55 people turned out to hear Dr. Kim Christie explain some warning signs of escalating memory loss, and talk about current research into the disease and other forms of dementia, as well as hope for symptom management and treatment. Through clinical research as the resident neuroscientist at Okanagan Clinical Trials, Christie recognized the growing need for cognitive assessments among the elderly. Her organization offers free memory testing and risk factor swabbing.
With Salmon Arm home to an aging population, the large audience at the event highlights the importance of such presentations.
鈥淭his amazing turnout shows how the issues of memory loss and dementia are front and centre to people in our community,鈥� said SRC manager Wendy Fredette. 鈥淲e were thrilled to see so many people accessing information, and it was a great way to introduce ourselves to some int he community who hadn鈥檛 been here before.鈥�
As Alzheimer鈥檚 is a difficult disease for anyone to navigate, the SRC hosts regular support groups for those carrying for someone with dementia, as well as a new group for those experiencing memory loss themselves.
鈥淟ike any other condition, early access to information, diagnosis and management can make a world of difference to all involved,鈥� SRC Day Away co-ordinator Mary Preston stated. 鈥淥ne of Dr. Christie鈥檚 recommendations for those who may be experiencing memory loss it to not isolate themselves. Socializing and community is so important to all of us.鈥�
More information about all the resource centre鈥檚 programs is available at
The SRC can also provide flyers for the Alzheimer鈥檚 Society of BC, which has a number of in-person, online and phone resources for education and support around dementia.
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