THUNDER BAY – The Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay’s Walk for Memories has special urgency this year amidst news that an astonishing 23 per cent of boomers can’t name any of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, even though their risk doubles every five years after age 65. An online survey of baby boomers across Canada conducted by the Alzheimer Society revealed the worrying lack of awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. For more information about the survey, or to take the quiz, visit www.alzheimer.ca/testyourknowledge.
Over 200 walkers are expected to participate in the Thunder Bay Walk on Sunday February 6, 2011 inside Intercity Shopping Centre. Supporters can donate or register to walk and collect pledges at www.alzheimerthunderbay.ca
The Thunder Bay Walk is one of 58 Walks being held around Ontario to fund programs and services for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Today, 181,000 Ontarians have dementia, a number that is expected to rise 40% to 255,000 by 2020. In Thunder Bay 3,200 people already live with the disease. The Thunder Bay chapter helps people during the entire disease process with a constant lifeline to support and information.
Walk for Memories 2011 Agenda
Registration begins at 9:00 A.M., Welcome ceremonies, featured speakers and warm-up exercises begin at 10:15 A.M. The Walk starts at 10:30 A.M. Closing ceremonies are at 11:15 A.M.
The Walk will be led by Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay Board of Directors, Dignitaries and the St. Ignatius Cheerleaders. Over 450 names will be displayed on Memory Lane; a special tribute to remember the many loved one who have been lost to Alzheimer’s disease.