HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Dementia Project In the fall of 2016, The Glencoe Club embarked on a journey to create even better experiences for maturing members who have cognitive decline such as dementia and/or Alzheimer’s. Under the leadership of Lisa Poole, we developed the Dementia Project.
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he Dementia Project is steered by an advisory board and includes a popular speaker series and education programs such as The Best Friends Approach and Opening Minds Through Art. It also features activity-based programs such as Be Well & Live Strong and OMA. In October 2017, we teamed up with the University of Calgary to develop our very own Glencoe research study. Our goal is to develop a tailored cognitive and physical activity program for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Based on the results of our research study, we hope to share our data and program with other facilities around the city, province and even Canada and the US. The possibilities are endless.
Jessica Power Cyr, M.Sc Wellness & Lifestyle Director 403-287-4178 jpowercyr@glencoe.org
On Monday July 9, 2018, we began the intake for our research study with the Nursing Department at the University of Calgary. The research component of the study officially started on Tuesday, July 17 with a cohort of eight individuals, all experiencing some cognitive concern. Our cohort is diverse. Some individuals have a diagnosis of dementia, while others volunteered themselves to be part of the study because they had concerns with their memory. The participants share 50+ minutes of social and cognitive activities, followed by a tailored exercise component that includes 30 minutes of cardiovascular training, 15 minutes of strength training and 10 minutes of balance and flexibility exercises. The participants are really enjoying the social and cognitive activities as many of them have been isolated (or isolated themselves) due to fear of judgment. What we have found is that our participants are thriving because they’re in a safe 54 glencoe.org
judgment-free environment, where participants and the research team understand that sometimes they may forget words, not comprehend instructors or just get lost in the moment. Our team is always ready to gently guide our participants back on task. Once the study is complete in late fall 2018, we’ll review our research design and any areas that need improving. We’ll then begin preparations for our second cohort. We hope to begin the second cohort in mid 2019. If you or someone you know would be right for this study, please contact me (Jessica). Recently, The Glencoe Club’s Wellness & Lifestyle department was awarded Program of the Year for our Dementia Project from the Private Sport Clubs of North America. We are very proud to have won this award and it would not have been possible without the phenomenal support we have received from you, our members. We thank you for sharing your ideas and supporting our Dementia Project. Note: The following is an edited, abbreviated version of an academic article describing research efforts on the topic of dementia. If you’re interested in the topic, it is an excellent read.
The Importance of Exercise Understanding the effects of prescribed exercise for people living with dementia and their family caregivers. by Dr Gwen McGhan
Abstract The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada estimates one in 13 people over the age of 65 and one in three over the age of 85 will experience dementia. The majority will reside in the community with mild to moderate dementia and experience losses of activity, apathy, depression, anxiety, wandering, agitation, irritability, changes in appetite and sleep disruptions. There is currently no cure for dementia and there are no pharmacological interventions. There’s a growing body of literature to support physical activity as a method of preventing dementia but currently there are no clinical practice guidelines outlining requirements and the impact on symptoms of dementia for the person living with it (and their caregiver). As such, the
