Elgin County Raises Alzheimer Society Flag in January

 For Immediate Release

Central Elgin, ON – On January 12, 2021 the Alzheimer Society Flag was raised at the Elgin County Heritage Centre in honour of Alzheimer awareness month.  Raising the Alzheimer flag during awareness month helps to show support to those affected by dementia and to let them know that they are not alone. 

During the month of January, the Alzheimer Society of Canada encourages organizations and members of the public to learn more about dementia and its impact on members of the community. Each year in Canada, 25,000 people are diagnosed with a form of dementia and numbers are expected to rise.  By 2031, there will be almost a million Canadians living with a form of dementia.  While Alzheimer disease is a degenerative brain disorder that most often occurs in people over the age of 65, it can affect people as early as in their 30s and 40s.  

“The County of Elgin is proud to play a role in bringing awareness to this disease that affects so many people within our community,” said Warden Tom Marks. “Everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with dementia and we are familiar with the challenges faced by both those diagnosed with the disease and their loved ones. Awareness is the first step in understanding what people living with dementia experience in their day-to-day-lives so that we can fight the stigmas associated with this disease and ensure that those we love are receiving care and services tailored to their unique needs. We all have a role to play in making our communities safe and inclusive for people living with dementia.”

The Alzheimer Society of Elgin-St. Thomas works with people living with dementia and their care partners to provide supports so people can live well with dementia in our community. For more information about the Alzheimer Society or to access support services please visit https://www.alzheimer.ca/elgin/en.

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For additional information, please contact:

Warden Tom Marks
tmarks@elgin.ca