Saturday (Sept. 21) marks World Alzheimer's Day, with a Calgary-based group commemorating the event by spreading awareness about the disease.
Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, and according to Alzheimer Calgary, affects over 600,000 Canadians.
"We have an aging population, and the number one factor of developing dementia is age," said Megan Williams, communications specialist with Alzheimer Calgary. "Challenging the stigma is really about understanding that people living with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, it's still them."
Williams says there are also resources for people living in Strathmore to access which include a resource handbook, an adult day program, and home care access for those living with dementia.
On World Alzheimer's Day, the group will be hosting an event educating people about dementia, taking place at the Delta Hotel in Calgary. The event features speaker Dr. Dallas Seitz going over ways that people can engage and live well after a dementia diagnosis.
Following that, there will be a walk and run on October 13 at Prince's Island Park. According to Williams, this is their biggest event of the year.
"We had about 1,500 people last year," said Williams. "We encourage people to come out. It's a very family-friendly event."
World Alzheimer's Day also coincides with the International Day of Peace. Those who are interested in attending the walk and run, or want to learn more about Alzheimer Calgary, can do so on the organization's website.