Hundreds walk for Alzheimer's in Assiniboine Park
Hundreds of people gathered in Assiniboine Park Saturday to walk in support of those living with dementia in our province.
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's brought together more than 1,000 Manitobans raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba (ASM). Incoming CEO Erin Crawford said she was thrilled at the turnout. "There's a huge line of people out walking right now in honour and memory of people with dementia," she said. "It's just wonderful. It's a great day today!"
Participants walked a predetermined route through the park beginning at 10 a.m. Crawford said the money raised is fundamental to the programming they offer throughout the year. "We offer support groups for people, we give information about what is dementia, and what kinds of things are you likely to encounter," she said.
ASM also offers education workshops from experts in the field, as well as recreation programs. "(They're) fun opportunities to exercise a little bit and just visit with other people in similar sorts of circumstances," said Crawford.
The national event also funds Alzheimer's research in Canada. "Because we know at the end of the day we want to see some progress on diagnosis and treatment of dementia," Crawford said.
More than 18,000 people in Manitoba are affected by dementia. Crawford said that number is going to double in the next 25 years. "We did a survey a couple of years ago, and 62 per cent of Manitobans said they have had a close friend or family member with dementia," she added.
Alzheimer's is the most common of the diseases that fall under the umbrella term of "dementia." More than 67 per cent of all dementia cases are Alzheimer's.
Crawford said the signs of dementia can appear years before a formal diagnosis. "Once you talk to someone who has dementia and you talk to their families, something's got to be done to help support them through that journey. And that’s why this is so important for me," she said.
"It really is impacting more Manitobans than not, and I think you see that with the number of people who are here today."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.