NEWS RELEASE
ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF SIMCOE COUNTY
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January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the local Simcoe County society hosted a Bowling for Brain Health to promote active living and the benefits of staying socially engaged in one’s community.
On Jan. 19, 100 participants from ages four to over 74 gathered in Barrie to take part in the first Bowling for Brain Health event. Community teams, volunteers, society staff and fans came together and raised over $5,000 for the charity.
“We are so grateful for the fundraising support by 14 bowling teams and very generous business partners who donated beautiful prizes for our raffle draw. This was such an enjoyable family-friendly accessible event, thanks to the great organization and support by Tom and his team at Bowlerama Barrie,” says Ann-Marie Kungl, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County.
Teams were encouraged to show off their style by dressing up and bringing friends to cheer them on. The event ended with trophy presentations and medals for each team MVP.
Laura, a supporter of the event shared, “Brian and I had a great time being part of Bowling for Brain Health. A satisfying morning spent being active, meeting new people, laughing and supporting a good cause. Can’t wait to do it again next year.”
The feedback has been so positive that the society is already planning to do it again.
Participant Sheri Patfield shared, “I had a great time bowling. Alzheimer’s has impacted my family, so this charity is near and dear to my heart. Families need the support provided by the Alzheimer Society, and I’m always happy to help raise money for our community. Spending time with my friends, keeping active and helping to support a great cause at the same time is a win.”
There are over 11,500 individuals across Simcoe County living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and support to the society with donations made locally stay local.
“We wish to thank all those that attended and supported this fundraiser, which will help us fund social recreation programming for individuals living with dementia and their care partners,” says Jaime Grant, special project and program support staff.
The society continues to welcome businesses and residents across Simcoe County, the City of Barrie and City of Orillia to Light it Up Blue to put a spotlight on dementia awareness. All are invited to shine a blue light on porches and storefronts and share photos on social media with the society using #LIUB and #BrainHealth in support of dementia-friendly communities, which is a cross-Canada education initiative. Free training is available through the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County.
By lighting your home or business up blue you are letting almost 11,500 people across Simcoe County living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias know they are supported to live well and thrive in their community. To find out how you can be part of creating accessible and inclusive dementia-friendly communities, go to Dementia Friendly Canada or contact the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County at [email protected] or call 705-722-1066.
Taking action to support brain health at any age is important. The 12 actions for a healthier brain noted in the Landmark Study are:
1. Be physically active each day.
2. Protect your heart.
3. Stay socially active.
4. Manage your medical conditions.
5. Challenge your thinking.
6. Get a good night’s sleep every night.
7. Have depression treated.
8. Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
9. Maintain your hearing.
10. Find meaning in life.
11. Avoid all types of head injury.
12. Adopt healthy behaviours.
During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the society invites you to explore resources about brain health, caregiving and dementia, and share resources with someone you think could benefit from them. Here are great resources in addition information on the society’s website:
1. The Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Landmark Study uses data modelling to forecast the nation’s dementia future. The study data is being analyzed in three reports. The first report (2022) looked at overall dementia numbers. The second report (2024) looks at dementia across demographic groups. The third report, in 2025, will look at the economic impacts of dementia.
2. Create a free online account with ALZeducate and choose from over 22 courses including the new Advocacy College. This course is designed to help turn concerned staff, clients, and members of the public into effective, resilient advocates for a more dementia-friendly Ontario.
3. Dementia Dialogue is an online resource with 67 podcasts on various topics. Just released, You DO matter! Exploring the impact of mattering in caregiving is an interview with Dr. Gordon Flett and his research on a crucial aspect of psychological well-being, especially for caregivers. Mattering, the sense of feeling significant or valuable to others, can greatly influence one’s sense of self-worth and overall mental health. For caregivers, this feeling of mattering can be self-generated, often through acts of giving and supporting others. You can access the podcast here: Dementia Dialogue - Episode 73.
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