IF YOU’D LIKE TO REGISTER ORVOLUNTEER FORAN EVENT, PLEASECALL OUR OFFICEAT (204) 943-6622FOR MOREINFORMATION.

Door-to-Door,SeptemberCanvassers will beknocking on doors all over Winnipeg this month. Pleasegive generously. New canvassers arealways welcome!

Dave SawchuckMemorialCosmopolitanClub IronmanGolfTournament,September 14th

Register today andjoin the CosmopolitanClub for 100 holes atthe River Oaks GolfCourse (see page 3 for more info)

Coffee Break™,September 21st

Sign up as a host orparticipate in a localCoffee Break™ on World Alzheimer’s Day.Together, we can makethis year’s Coffee Breakthe World’s Largest!

Boogie Man BluesBash, October 28th

Invite your friends andpurchase your tickets today!You never know who might getpunked!!! This year’s event atthe Ramada Marlboroughfeatures a beef buffet dinner,costume contests, a rainbowauction, raffles and entertainmentby blues man, Big Dave McLean anddeejay, Nathan Zahn. Tickets are $30.

Tag Day, November 26th

Volunteers will be on hand at yourlocal Safeway store and will tag youwith a sticker for donations made tothe Alzheimer Society. Spare changeis welcome!

Today it seems that North Americans are ina state of information overload. Take diseaseprevention for example. Each day we arebombarded with information relaying thehealth benefits of supplementing our dietswith specific vitamins, minerals and herbs fortheir disease prevention claims. It leaves uswondering what new items we should betossing into our shopping carts this week?

Vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B12 and folicacid have been touted in recent mediaarticles as vitamins that can help reduce ourrisk of developing diseases like AlzheimerDisease. Currently there is no medicalevidence to suggest that there is a miraclevitamin, mineral, herb or food to preventAlzheimer Disease from occurring.

So, how much of the advice from theemerging research do we adopt as part of our

new health care regime and howmuch of it do we take with a grainof salt?

Dr. Jack Diamond, ScientificDirector for the Alzheimer Societyof Canada says we need to take acommon sense approach to diseaseprevention. “Adapting a healthylifestyle is still the best way to protectourselves from risk. Eating healthy, limitingalcohol consumption and being smoke freecombined with daily physical activity is reallykey to overall health,” says Dr. Diamond.“Research suggests that by doing all that wecan to ward off the preventable diseases likeheart disease and diabetes, we may be able toreduce our risk of developing AlzheimerDisease. We can’t say that we can stop it fromhappening, but at the very least we can tryto delay the onset of the disease.”

It is really allabout balance andmaking healthychoices throughoutour lifetimes. Whileheredity plays animportant role indetermining our

likelihood of risk, there are stepsthat we can take to lower oursusceptibility to risk factors forAlzheimer Disease. Following theCanada Food Guide and ensuringthat we are eating a variety offoods from the four food groupseach day should provide all of thevitamins and minerals that weneed. Our family doctors can helpus to determine whether or not

4

HELPLINE 1-800-378-6699 (outside Winnipeg.)

In Winnipeg, call: 943-6622 www.alzheimer.mb.ca

A big thank you to all the walkers,volunteers and sponsors that helpedmake Memory Walk 2005 a great success.The total raised across the province todate is over $110,000 and donations arestill coming in! Your contribution;whether it be a donation, time, skill oreffort has made a meaningful differencein the lives of those affected byAlzheimer Disease or a related disorder.

What’s Next?

FALL

200

5

The Newsletter of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

This publication was madepossible by the sponsorship of

and the advertisers you see in this publication.

Provincial Office:

(204) 943-6622Westman Region:

(204) 729-8320South Central Region:

(204) 325-5634North Central Region:

(204) 239-4898North Eastman Region:

(204) 348-3505Parkland Region

(204) 638-6691

Interested in becoming a member of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba? Volunteers and donations enable us to continue our important work.

Our Brandon office is moving!

New temporary address beginningSeptember 12th is:

Unit #1, 613 10th Street, Brandon MB R7A 4G6

6

Spotlight on Research

Stephen SzczerbaStephen Szczerba is a 1st year Master’s

student in the medical microbiology program at the University of Manitoba. He is currentlyinvestigating the relationship betweenChlamydia and Alzheimer Disease at theNational Research Council’s Institute forBiodiagnostics.

While most people are familiar withChlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium that cancause sexually transmitted diseases and eye

infections, the organism that Szczerba will be examining is Chlamydiapneumoniae, a respiratory tract infection that Szczerba suspects mightbe a risk factor in developing Alzheimer Disease.

“Chlamydia pneumoniae is commonly responsible for causingrespiratory tract infections and can be effectively treated withantibiotics,” says Szczerba. “People of all ages can be infected and re-infected with no apparent symptoms, and this can lead to failure bythe immune system to clear the organism completely from the body.”

Prior research in post mortem human brain samples has shownChlamydia pneumoniae to be present alongside the plaques associatedwith Alzheimer Disease.

“Our plan is to use transgenic mice that are genetically pre-disposedto developing Alzheimer Disease, and infect them with Chlamydia.Using non-invasive diagnostic techniques such as MRI we will followthe disease progression. This will help to identify the role ofChlamydia in the progression of Alzheimer Disease, and hopefullyidentify the route of entry into the brain.”

Szczerba says he chose to study Alzheimer Disease because of the devastating effect it has on families, friends and people with the disease.

“Alzheimer Disease is an important disease to study because itaffects a lot of people. It’s hard on families and friends to watch their loved ones deal with the disease, and it’s difficult for the person diagnosed.”

Yang HeYou could say that Yang He is an incredibly

patient person. For an entire year, he conductedhundreds of experiments, changing variableseach time but never achieving the desiredoutcome. Yang admits that it was a frustratingprocess, but his perseverance has since paid offin a big way.

“Every time I looked through the microscope,it was the same result,” he said. “Then, one dayI looked through it and I couldn’t believe what

I saw. I even asked my friend to check it for me,and he said ‘yeah, I saw the same thing.’ It was amazing.”

Yang is a second-year Master’s student in biochemistry and medicalgenetics at the University of Manitoba. He is currently investigating a protein called Cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB),the most studied and probably the most important protein involved in memory. Yang created a technique to see CREB proteins more clearlyin cells under an imaging microscope. With the technique, the CREBproteins and cells are illuminated in different fluorescent lights,making it easier to identify them. Without the technique, it wasvirtually impossible to distinguish anything.

The new technique has helped dispel some common-heldassumptions about the CREB protein. Normally, this protein switcheson genes in the nucleus of the cell to activate memory. In AlzheimerDisease, the CREB protein isn’t able to adequately perform thatfunction. It was believed this was due to a deficiency in CREB proteinlevels, but Yang has discovered that it is actually because the proteinswere being inactivated. When the activity level is altered in a cell, the cell can’t survive long and will die.

Dr. Francis Amara, Associate Professor in the Department ofBiochemistry and Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba andPrincipal Investigator at St. Boniface Research Centre, is supervisingYang’s work. Dr. Amara says this project might be the most importantone of his career so far.

“Before, we had to look at two tissue samples. One had the plaquesof Alzheimer Disease and the other had the CREB protein. Now, we can look at them both on the same sample. We don’t have to makeassumptions anymore. We can see the proof in front of our eyes.”

Stephen Szczcerba and Yang He are this year’s recipients of the AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba’s Graduate Student Fellowship Awards. The one-year grantthey each receive is for research into Alzheimer Disease and related disorders.

Interested in learning more about Alzheimer Disease?

The Alzheimer Society Speakers Bureau volunteersare available to speak to your group about:

■ The warning signs of Alzheimer Disease■ Ways to help families affected by

Alzheimer Disease and related disorders■ Services provided by the Alzheimer Society

To arrange a presentation, call or email us today.

943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699alzeducation@alzheimer.mb.ca

Memory Walk 2005 - Thank you!Grand Prize Sponsor:

General Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Fredette’s Family Foods

Neon Cone, Pepsi, Frogurt’s

Dauphin Meat Processors

Western Bakery

Dauphin Consumers

Co-op Food Centre

Ecowater

Winkler Co-op

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is kicking off Winnipeg’s Door-to-Doorcampaign this year in September!

This annual educational and fundraisinginitiative usually takes place duringAlzheimer Awareness Month in January, but canvassers now have the choice ofcanvassing in September or January. Lastyear’s campaign raised $80,000 for theAlzheimer Society’s programs, services andsearch for a cure. Please support ourcanvassers if they knock on your door thisSeptember.

Joyce has been knocking on doors in hersenior’s condo in support of the AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba for over three years, andshe has no intention of stopping any time soon.

“It’s easy to do,” she says.“There are 30 suites here and I know most of the people. I’ve hada really good response every year.

For the second year, the Alzheimer Societyof Manitoba is offering canvassers theopportunity to participate in Door-to-Door ineither September or January. Whatever themonth someone chooses to participate in,Joyce stresses that Door-to-Door isimportant because it makes asking fordonations more personal.

“If you receive a letter in the mail (askingfor donations) you can say – oh, I’ll look atit later. But, you tend to contribute ifsomeone comes to your door.”

Joyce also has a personalinterest in helping the

Alzheimer Society. After a close friend of hers wasdiagnosed with Alzheimer Disease,Joyce found out how helpful theAlzheimer Society can be.

“I think if someone has a family memberor friend with Alzheimer Disease, they needall the support they can get,” she says. “Justknowing you aren’t alone is very helpful.”

Interested in participating in our Door-to-Door Campaign this September?Please call 943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699or e-mail events@alzheimer.mb.ca

Who’s That Knocking at Your Door?

Meet Dr. Jack DiamondScientific Director of the

Alzheimer Society of Canada on World Alzheimer’s Day onWednesday, September 21st

• 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.at the Bethania Mennonite PCH

1045 Concordia Ave. for Coffee Break and meet/greet

• 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Samuel N. Cohen Auditorium

St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre351 Tache Ave.

for a public presentation.

Learn about advancements in Alzheimer Disease research and what

to expect in the years ahead.

continued on page 3

B

Reducing the Risk

2 3

Can Alzheimer Disease be Prevented? continued from page 1

we should be supplementing our diets with additional vitaminsand minerals.

Good overall health however, goes beyond what we ingest.Daily exercise for both our bodies and our minds, in addition togetting a good night’s sleep each night, will help to optimizeoverall health. Research suggests that exercising our mindsthrough reading, playing games, doing crossword puzzles, andeven learning to play a musical instrument may be beneficial inlowering our susceptibility to risk factors of Alzheimer Disease.There is no guarantee that a healthy lifestyle is going to protectus from disease or help us to live longer, but it will certainlyimprove our quality of life.

In January 2004, the Alzheimer Society of Canada released a statement on healthy lifestyles that said, “Although there is no conclusive evidence that Alzheimer Disease can be prevented,these (healthy lifestyle) choices may lower the susceptibility to

risk factors for Alzheimer Disease and thereby delay its onset.”

“I think we would be doing the public a disservice if we saideat well and live well and you won’t get Alzheimer Disease,” saysWendy Schettler, Program Director of the Alzheimer Society ofManitoba. “We can suggest a healthy lifestyle to help reducerisk, but we certainly can’t say that it will prevent you fromgetting Alzheimer Disease. I would hate to see people believingthey were responsible for getting Alzheimer Disease because theydidn’t take their vitamins or exercise enough. Our job is toeducate the public, share any new information that we receiveon reducing the risk, and help individuals and families live witha diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease in the best way they can.”

So what new items should we be tossing into our shoppingcarts this week? How about a variety of healthy foods and agood book to read after our daily walk? Live well and enjoy lifeto the fullest. Now that’s a dose of advice we can rely on.

Serving others, developing unity and taking action may soundlike the governing beliefs of the Boy Scouts of Canada, but itactually belongs to a more ‘mature’ membership with a longstanding in our province. The Cosmopolitan Club is anorganization promoting community fellowship and good will.With chapters in the US, Canada and Mexico, the CosmopolitanClub believes in contributing to the betterment of thecommunity in which they live. The Cosmopolitan Club ofWinnipeg has been doing just that for more than 75 years. In fact, the Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg was the first chapter to be formed in Canada back in 1927.

The Alzheimer Society has been the recipient of theCosmopolitan Club’s good will for the past 7 years. By hostingan annual golf tournament, the Cosmo Club has raised close to$100,000 for the Alzheimer Society since the first tee off in1997. On Wednesday, September 14th, the Club will be holding a very special 8th annual golf tournament – The Dave SawchukMemorial Cosmopolitan Club Ironman Golf Marathon – honouringone of its long time members who died last year of cancer.

Dave Sawchuk was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club ofWinnipeg for over 20 years before his untimely passing. Hisdedication to charitable fundraising was evident during his timewith the Club.

“Dave was instrumental in forming the partnership betweenthe Alzheimer Society and the Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg,”says Sylvia Rothney, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Societyof Manitoba. “He was an energetic and passionate person with a strong commitment to the community. He really worked hard to ensure the success of everything he did including each golf tournament.”

Dave’s long timefriend and fellowCosmopolitan Clubmember, RogerTychonick, says that theCosmopolitan Club reallybenefited from Dave’shard work andenthusiasm adding thatDave earned the respectof everyone he knewwith his perseverance and strong work ethic. “The golftournament meant a lot to Dave. He was an avid golfer and wasvery involved with the Cosmopolitan Club. In fact, he is the onewho encouraged me to join the Club,” says Tychonick.

This year’s Dave Sawchuk Memorial Ironman Golf Marathonhosted by the Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg will feature 100holes of golf at River Oaks Golf Course. Individual participantsare required to collect $1,000 in pledges and teams of twogolfers are required to collect $600 in pledges each. Allparticipating golfers are supplied with power carts, golf balls,golf gifts and accessories along with comfort items. Food andbeverages are provided throughout the full day marathon andgolfers are treated to a delicious BBQ dinner afterwards and canwin some great prizes. The prizes will also be awarded to the toppledge earners and golfers with the top scores.

“This event helps the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and it isa lot of fun. 100 holes of golf in a single day isn’t as difficult as people believe it is. It is more fun than it is serious golf, so anyone can participate regardless of their ability,” says Gary Wensel, President of the Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg.“We are very proud to be honouring Dave Sawchuk with thisyear’s tournament. He was integral to our tournament. He golfedin it each year, collected pledges and always brought new peopleout. He will certainly be missed.”

If you are interested in participating or contributing tothe Dave Sawchuk Memorial Cosmopolitan Club IronmanGolf Marathon, contact the Alzheimer Society of Manitobaat 943-6622.

You’re in critical condition and are unable tocommunicate the type of care that you wish toreceive. Doctors inform your spouse that youronly chance for survival is a blood transfusion.Overwhelmed, your spouse is distraught abouttrying to guess what you would want. Luckily,your spouse won’t have to make that decision.You thought ahead and wrote out a Health CareDirective (commonly known as a “living will”) that states that you would approve of a bloodtransfusion if it were necessary.

A Health Care Directive is a legally bindingdocument that informs others of the health careand treatment you would want to receive if youbecome unable to communicate. It can be aninvaluable tool for everyone, including people withAlzheimer Disease or a related disorder, to keepsome control over their care.

The main criteria for making a directive is thatyou fully understand the implications behind thedecisions that you make. That means the earlier a directive is created by someone recentlydiagnosed with a dementia, the better.

Dr. Mike Harlos is the Medical Director of thePalliative Care Sub Program with the W.R.H.A. An official directive form can be filled out, but Dr. Harlos says a signed and dated directive writtenon any piece of paper is legally binding. In eithercase, consult with your doctor first so you areaware of what to include in the directive.

“If you have a dementia, your doctor can inform you on what may lie ahead. You might bebedridden, unable to recognize friends, or not beable to swallow. If you could no longer managefood or fluids, would you want to be tube fed?”

It is also a good idea to name a “proxy” in yourdirective. In the event that you can’t speak for

yourself, a proxy (usually a close friend or familymember) can act in your behalf to make healthcare decisions for you.

“A proxy is the most definitive way to havesomeone participate in your health care when youcan’t,” says Dr. Harlos. “You should also ensure thedirective is kept where people can see it or accessit easily. In an emergency, paramedics are notobligated to ask for a directive. It’s best to keep it in your purse or wallet, or in your EmergencyResponse Information Kit (E.R.I.K.)”

Having a directive and a proxy can be extremelyuseful if you are placed in a health care facility. As soon as you enter a hospital or personal carehome, an Advance Care Plan must be filled out.This is a form used to record decisions about yourcare. It involves your health care providers andfamily members, and may or may not involve you.If you already have a directive and a proxy, yourwishes will still be communicated and respected.

“The Advance Care Plan is not legally bindingbut it provides a general direction for your careand provides a foundation for future planning,”says Dr. Harlos. “It’s context dependent so it canbe changed as your health changes.”

If you would like more information onadvance care planning, contact the W.R.H.A at926-7000 or call Manitoba Health at 786-7101.You can also visit the Manitoba Health Website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/livingwill

There are many waysyou can gift the

gift of hope. To receive information

on Planned givingopportunities or ways

to Leave a Legacy, call 943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699.

Planning Ahead for Your Future Care

All across Canada people will be raising their coffee cups in support of the work of the Alzheimer Society.You can help make the 10th annual Coffee Break™ event the World’s Largest by:

Call 943-6622www.alzheimer.mb.ca

September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day.

1 Hosting a Coffee Break™ 2 Donating at a Coffee Break™ event

Upcoming Information SessionsLiving with Alzheimer Disease WorkshopsThese sessions will be helpful to the person living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease or a related disorder, as well as the family and friends who support them.

■ In Winnipeg: Two-day workshops offered on September 24th & October 1st and again on November26th & December 3rd at the Alzheimer Society office, 10-120 Donald St. Cost is $20 per person /$30 per couple. Call 943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699 for more information.

■ In Roblin: October 19, 26, November 2, 16, 23, 30 from 7:00 - 9:30 at the Roblin Hospital Board Room.Cost is $20 per person. Call 638-6691 or 1-800-378-6699 for more information.

■ In Brandon: Oct 29th and Nov 5th. Call 729-8320 or 1-800-378-6699 for more information.

Professional Education: Making Connections, Building Relationships■ In Portage la Prairie: October 25 at the Canad Inn. Early bird registration is $35, lunch included.

Call 239-4898 or 1-800-378-6699 for more information. The AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba

is a proud partner of:

Advance Care PlanningDr. Mike Harlos

Cosmopolitan Club Ironman Golf Marathon

Dave Sawchuk Memorial

Dave Sawchuk, 1936 – 2004

Accredited with CCHSA for 3 years-2003-2006

Phone Day or Night (204) 772-4000

When you need assistance:24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Nursing Care: In-Home, Personal CareHome, Hospital, Nursing

Foot Care, Alzheimer Care & Palliative Care.

Professional Nurse’s:RN,RPN,LPN.

Certified Health Care AidesCompanions & Escorts

All staff are bonded & Insured

Insurance Plans Accepted

Complimentary “In Home”Nursing Assessment.

1317 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, Mb. R3G 0V3

Phone: 772-4000 Fax: 775-7676Sponsors

Tickets $ 30per person

All funds raised will support the programs,services and research

of the Alzheimer Societyof Manitoba

Friday, October 28,

2005

RamadaMarlborough

Ballroom

8:00 PM to1:00 AM

Featuring

Big Dave McLean and Special Guests

DJ Nathan Zahn

Winnipeg’s Worst Blues Singer Contest and…

Watch as someone you may know gets duped, fooled, tricked, bamboozled,

and PUNKED!

❋ Beef Buffet Dinner❋ Seating is Tables of 10

❋ Costume Contests with Prizes

❋ Rainbow Auction❋ Raffles

❋ Consolation prizes for the Punk Victims

or Alzheimer Society ofManitoba 943 -6622www.alzheimer.mb.ca

780 -3333

2 3

Can Alzheimer Disease be Prevented? continued from page 1

we should be supplementing our diets with additional vitaminsand minerals.

Good overall health however, goes beyond what we ingest.Daily exercise for both our bodies and our minds, in addition togetting a good night’s sleep each night, will help to optimizeoverall health. Research suggests that exercising our mindsthrough reading, playing games, doing crossword puzzles, andeven learning to play a musical instrument may be beneficial inlowering our susceptibility to risk factors of Alzheimer Disease.There is no guarantee that a healthy lifestyle is going to protectus from disease or help us to live longer, but it will certainlyimprove our quality of life.

In January 2004, the Alzheimer Society of Canada released a statement on healthy lifestyles that said, “Although there is no conclusive evidence that Alzheimer Disease can be prevented,these (healthy lifestyle) choices may lower the susceptibility to

risk factors for Alzheimer Disease and thereby delay its onset.”

“I think we would be doing the public a disservice if we saideat well and live well and you won’t get Alzheimer Disease,” saysWendy Schettler, Program Director of the Alzheimer Society ofManitoba. “We can suggest a healthy lifestyle to help reducerisk, but we certainly can’t say that it will prevent you fromgetting Alzheimer Disease. I would hate to see people believingthey were responsible for getting Alzheimer Disease because theydidn’t take their vitamins or exercise enough. Our job is toeducate the public, share any new information that we receiveon reducing the risk, and help individuals and families live witha diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease in the best way they can.”

So what new items should we be tossing into our shoppingcarts this week? How about a variety of healthy foods and agood book to read after our daily walk? Live well and enjoy lifeto the fullest. Now that’s a dose of advice we can rely on.

Serving others, developing unity and taking action may soundlike the governing beliefs of the Boy Scouts of Canada, but itactually belongs to a more ‘mature’ membership with a longstanding in our province. The Cosmopolitan Club is anorganization promoting community fellowship and good will.With chapters in the US, Canada and Mexico, the CosmopolitanClub believes in contributing to the betterment of thecommunity in which they live. The Cosmopolitan Club ofWinnipeg has been doing just that for more than 75 years. In fact, the Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg was the first chapter to be formed in Canada back in 1927.

The Alzheimer Society has been the recipient of theCosmopolitan Club’s good will for the past 7 years. By hostingan annual golf tournament, the Cosmo Club has raised close to$100,000 for the Alzheimer Society since the first tee off in1997. On Wednesday, September 14th, the Club will be holding a very special 8th annual golf tournament – The Dave SawchukMemorial Cosmopolitan Club Ironman Golf Marathon – honouringone of its long time members who died last year of cancer.

Dave Sawchuk was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club ofWinnipeg for over 20 years before his untimely passing. Hisdedication to charitable fundraising was evident during his timewith the Club.

“Dave was instrumental in forming the partnership betweenthe Alzheimer Society and the Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg,”says Sylvia Rothney, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Societyof Manitoba. “He was an energetic and passionate person with a strong commitment to the community. He really worked hard to ensure the success of everything he did including each golf tournament.”

Dave’s long timefriend and fellowCosmopolitan Clubmember, RogerTychonick, says that theCosmopolitan Club reallybenefited from Dave’shard work andenthusiasm adding thatDave earned the respectof everyone he knewwith his perseverance and strong work ethic. “The golftournament meant a lot to Dave. He was an avid golfer and wasvery involved with the Cosmopolitan Club. In fact, he is the onewho encouraged me to join the Club,” says Tychonick.

This year’s Dave Sawchuk Memorial Ironman Golf Marathonhosted by the Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg will feature 100holes of golf at River Oaks Golf Course. Individual participantsare required to collect $1,000 in pledges and teams of twogolfers are required to collect $600 in pledges each. Allparticipating golfers are supplied with power carts, golf balls,golf gifts and accessories along with comfort items. Food andbeverages are provided throughout the full day marathon andgolfers are treated to a delicious BBQ dinner afterwards and canwin some great prizes. The prizes will also be awarded to the toppledge earners and golfers with the top scores.

“This event helps the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and it isa lot of fun. 100 holes of golf in a single day isn’t as difficult as people believe it is. It is more fun than it is serious golf, so anyone can participate regardless of their ability,” says Gary Wensel, President of the Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg.“We are very proud to be honouring Dave Sawchuk with thisyear’s tournament. He was integral to our tournament. He golfedin it each year, collected pledges and always brought new peopleout. He will certainly be missed.”

If you are interested in participating or contributing tothe Dave Sawchuk Memorial Cosmopolitan Club IronmanGolf Marathon, contact the Alzheimer Society of Manitobaat 943-6622.

You’re in critical condition and are unable tocommunicate the type of care that you wish toreceive. Doctors inform your spouse that youronly chance for survival is a blood transfusion.Overwhelmed, your spouse is distraught abouttrying to guess what you would want. Luckily,your spouse won’t have to make that decision.You thought ahead and wrote out a Health CareDirective (commonly known as a “living will”) that states that you would approve of a bloodtransfusion if it were necessary.

A Health Care Directive is a legally bindingdocument that informs others of the health careand treatment you would want to receive if youbecome unable to communicate. It can be aninvaluable tool for everyone, including people withAlzheimer Disease or a related disorder, to keepsome control over their care.

The main criteria for making a directive is thatyou fully understand the implications behind thedecisions that you make. That means the earlier a directive is created by someone recentlydiagnosed with a dementia, the better.

Dr. Mike Harlos is the Medical Director of thePalliative Care Sub Program with the W.R.H.A. An official directive form can be filled out, but Dr. Harlos says a signed and dated directive writtenon any piece of paper is legally binding. In eithercase, consult with your doctor first so you areaware of what to include in the directive.

“If you have a dementia, your doctor can inform you on what may lie ahead. You might bebedridden, unable to recognize friends, or not beable to swallow. If you could no longer managefood or fluids, would you want to be tube fed?”

It is also a good idea to name a “proxy” in yourdirective. In the event that you can’t speak for

yourself, a proxy (usually a close friend or familymember) can act in your behalf to make healthcare decisions for you.

“A proxy is the most definitive way to havesomeone participate in your health care when youcan’t,” says Dr. Harlos. “You should also ensure thedirective is kept where people can see it or accessit easily. In an emergency, paramedics are notobligated to ask for a directive. It’s best to keep it in your purse or wallet, or in your EmergencyResponse Information Kit (E.R.I.K.)”

Having a directive and a proxy can be extremelyuseful if you are placed in a health care facility. As soon as you enter a hospital or personal carehome, an Advance Care Plan must be filled out.This is a form used to record decisions about yourcare. It involves your health care providers andfamily members, and may or may not involve you.If you already have a directive and a proxy, yourwishes will still be communicated and respected.

“The Advance Care Plan is not legally bindingbut it provides a general direction for your careand provides a foundation for future planning,”says Dr. Harlos. “It’s context dependent so it canbe changed as your health changes.”

If you would like more information onadvance care planning, contact the W.R.H.A at926-7000 or call Manitoba Health at 786-7101.You can also visit the Manitoba Health Website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/livingwill

There are many waysyou can gift the

gift of hope. To receive information

on Planned givingopportunities or ways

to Leave a Legacy, call 943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699.

Planning Ahead for Your Future Care

All across Canada people will be raising their coffee cups in support of the work of the Alzheimer Society.You can help make the 10th annual Coffee Break™ event the World’s Largest by:

Call 943-6622www.alzheimer.mb.ca

September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day.

1 Hosting a Coffee Break™ 2 Donating at a Coffee Break™ event

Upcoming Information SessionsLiving with Alzheimer Disease WorkshopsThese sessions will be helpful to the person living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease or a related disorder, as well as the family and friends who support them.

■ In Winnipeg: Two-day workshops offered on September 24th & October 1st and again on November26th & December 3rd at the Alzheimer Society office, 10-120 Donald St. Cost is $20 per person /$30 per couple. Call 943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699 for more information.

■ In Roblin: October 19, 26, November 2, 16, 23, 30 from 7:00 - 9:30 at the Roblin Hospital Board Room.Cost is $20 per person. Call 638-6691 or 1-800-378-6699 for more information.

■ In Brandon: Oct 29th and Nov 5th. Call 729-8320 or 1-800-378-6699 for more information.

Professional Education: Making Connections, Building Relationships■ In Portage la Prairie: October 25 at the Canad Inn. Early bird registration is $35, lunch included.

Call 239-4898 or 1-800-378-6699 for more information. The AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba

is a proud partner of:

Advance Care PlanningDr. Mike Harlos

Cosmopolitan Club Ironman Golf Marathon

Dave Sawchuk Memorial

Dave Sawchuk, 1936 – 2004

Accredited with CCHSA for 3 years-2003-2006

Phone Day or Night (204) 772-4000

When you need assistance:24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Nursing Care: In-Home, Personal CareHome, Hospital, Nursing

Foot Care, Alzheimer Care & Palliative Care.

Professional Nurse’s:RN,RPN,LPN.

Certified Health Care AidesCompanions & Escorts

All staff are bonded & Insured

Insurance Plans Accepted

Complimentary “In Home”Nursing Assessment.

1317 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, Mb. R3G 0V3

Phone: 772-4000 Fax: 775-7676Sponsors

Tickets $ 30per person

All funds raised will support the programs,services and research

of the Alzheimer Societyof Manitoba

Friday, October 28,

2005

RamadaMarlborough

Ballroom

8:00 PM to1:00 AM

Featuring

Big Dave McLean and Special Guests

DJ Nathan Zahn

Winnipeg’s Worst Blues Singer Contest and…

Watch as someone you may know gets duped, fooled, tricked, bamboozled,

and PUNKED!

❋ Beef Buffet Dinner❋ Seating is Tables of 10

❋ Costume Contests with Prizes

❋ Rainbow Auction❋ Raffles

❋ Consolation prizes for the Punk Victims

or Alzheimer Society ofManitoba 943 -6622www.alzheimer.mb.ca

780 -3333

IF YOU’D LIKE TO REGISTER ORVOLUNTEER FORAN EVENT, PLEASECALL OUR OFFICEAT (204) 943-6622FOR MOREINFORMATION.

Door-to-Door,SeptemberCanvassers will beknocking on doors all over Winnipeg this month. Pleasegive generously. New canvassers arealways welcome!

Dave SawchuckMemorialCosmopolitanClub IronmanGolfTournament,September 14th

Register today andjoin the CosmopolitanClub for 100 holes atthe River Oaks GolfCourse (see page 3 for more info)

Coffee Break™,September 21st

Sign up as a host orparticipate in a localCoffee Break™ on World Alzheimer’s Day.Together, we can makethis year’s Coffee Breakthe World’s Largest!

Boogie Man BluesBash, October 28th

Invite your friends andpurchase your tickets today!You never know who might getpunked!!! This year’s event atthe Ramada Marlboroughfeatures a beef buffet dinner,costume contests, a rainbowauction, raffles and entertainmentby blues man, Big Dave McLean anddeejay, Nathan Zahn. Tickets are $30.

Tag Day, November 26th

Volunteers will be on hand at yourlocal Safeway store and will tag youwith a sticker for donations made tothe Alzheimer Society. Spare changeis welcome!

Today it seems that North Americans are ina state of information overload. Take diseaseprevention for example. Each day we arebombarded with information relaying thehealth benefits of supplementing our dietswith specific vitamins, minerals and herbs fortheir disease prevention claims. It leaves uswondering what new items we should betossing into our shopping carts this week?

Vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B12 and folicacid have been touted in recent mediaarticles as vitamins that can help reduce ourrisk of developing diseases like AlzheimerDisease. Currently there is no medicalevidence to suggest that there is a miraclevitamin, mineral, herb or food to preventAlzheimer Disease from occurring.

So, how much of the advice from theemerging research do we adopt as part of our

new health care regime and howmuch of it do we take with a grainof salt?

Dr. Jack Diamond, ScientificDirector for the Alzheimer Societyof Canada says we need to take acommon sense approach to diseaseprevention. “Adapting a healthylifestyle is still the best way to protectourselves from risk. Eating healthy, limitingalcohol consumption and being smoke freecombined with daily physical activity is reallykey to overall health,” says Dr. Diamond.“Research suggests that by doing all that wecan to ward off the preventable diseases likeheart disease and diabetes, we may be able toreduce our risk of developing AlzheimerDisease. We can’t say that we can stop it fromhappening, but at the very least we can tryto delay the onset of the disease.”

It is really allabout balance andmaking healthychoices throughoutour lifetimes. Whileheredity plays animportant role indetermining our

likelihood of risk, there are stepsthat we can take to lower oursusceptibility to risk factors forAlzheimer Disease. Following theCanada Food Guide and ensuringthat we are eating a variety offoods from the four food groupseach day should provide all of thevitamins and minerals that weneed. Our family doctors can helpus to determine whether or not

4

HELPLINE 1-800-378-6699 (outside Winnipeg.)

In Winnipeg, call: 943-6622 www.alzheimer.mb.ca

A big thank you to all the walkers,volunteers and sponsors that helpedmake Memory Walk 2005 a great success.The total raised across the province todate is over $110,000 and donations arestill coming in! Your contribution;whether it be a donation, time, skill oreffort has made a meaningful differencein the lives of those affected byAlzheimer Disease or a related disorder.

What’s Next?

FALL

200

5

The Newsletter of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

This publication was madepossible by the sponsorship of

and the advertisers you see in this publication.

Provincial Office:

(204) 943-6622Westman Region:

(204) 729-8320South Central Region:

(204) 325-5634North Central Region:

(204) 239-4898North Eastman Region:

(204) 348-3505Parkland Region

(204) 638-6691

Interested in becoming a member of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba? Volunteers and donations enable us to continue our important work.

Our Brandon office is moving!

New temporary address beginningSeptember 12th is:

Unit #1, 613 10th Street, Brandon MB R7A 4G6

6

Spotlight on Research

Stephen SzczerbaStephen Szczerba is a 1st year Master’s

student in the medical microbiology program at the University of Manitoba. He is currentlyinvestigating the relationship betweenChlamydia and Alzheimer Disease at theNational Research Council’s Institute forBiodiagnostics.

While most people are familiar withChlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium that cancause sexually transmitted diseases and eye

infections, the organism that Szczerba will be examining is Chlamydiapneumoniae, a respiratory tract infection that Szczerba suspects mightbe a risk factor in developing Alzheimer Disease.

“Chlamydia pneumoniae is commonly responsible for causingrespiratory tract infections and can be effectively treated withantibiotics,” says Szczerba. “People of all ages can be infected and re-infected with no apparent symptoms, and this can lead to failure bythe immune system to clear the organism completely from the body.”

Prior research in post mortem human brain samples has shownChlamydia pneumoniae to be present alongside the plaques associatedwith Alzheimer Disease.

“Our plan is to use transgenic mice that are genetically pre-disposedto developing Alzheimer Disease, and infect them with Chlamydia.Using non-invasive diagnostic techniques such as MRI we will followthe disease progression. This will help to identify the role ofChlamydia in the progression of Alzheimer Disease, and hopefullyidentify the route of entry into the brain.”

Szczerba says he chose to study Alzheimer Disease because of the devastating effect it has on families, friends and people with the disease.

“Alzheimer Disease is an important disease to study because itaffects a lot of people. It’s hard on families and friends to watch their loved ones deal with the disease, and it’s difficult for the person diagnosed.”

Yang HeYou could say that Yang He is an incredibly

patient person. For an entire year, he conductedhundreds of experiments, changing variableseach time but never achieving the desiredoutcome. Yang admits that it was a frustratingprocess, but his perseverance has since paid offin a big way.

“Every time I looked through the microscope,it was the same result,” he said. “Then, one dayI looked through it and I couldn’t believe what

I saw. I even asked my friend to check it for me,and he said ‘yeah, I saw the same thing.’ It was amazing.”

Yang is a second-year Master’s student in biochemistry and medicalgenetics at the University of Manitoba. He is currently investigating a protein called Cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB),the most studied and probably the most important protein involved in memory. Yang created a technique to see CREB proteins more clearlyin cells under an imaging microscope. With the technique, the CREBproteins and cells are illuminated in different fluorescent lights,making it easier to identify them. Without the technique, it wasvirtually impossible to distinguish anything.

The new technique has helped dispel some common-heldassumptions about the CREB protein. Normally, this protein switcheson genes in the nucleus of the cell to activate memory. In AlzheimerDisease, the CREB protein isn’t able to adequately perform thatfunction. It was believed this was due to a deficiency in CREB proteinlevels, but Yang has discovered that it is actually because the proteinswere being inactivated. When the activity level is altered in a cell, the cell can’t survive long and will die.

Dr. Francis Amara, Associate Professor in the Department ofBiochemistry and Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba andPrincipal Investigator at St. Boniface Research Centre, is supervisingYang’s work. Dr. Amara says this project might be the most importantone of his career so far.

“Before, we had to look at two tissue samples. One had the plaquesof Alzheimer Disease and the other had the CREB protein. Now, we can look at them both on the same sample. We don’t have to makeassumptions anymore. We can see the proof in front of our eyes.”

Stephen Szczcerba and Yang He are this year’s recipients of the AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba’s Graduate Student Fellowship Awards. The one-year grantthey each receive is for research into Alzheimer Disease and related disorders.

Interested in learning more about Alzheimer Disease?

The Alzheimer Society Speakers Bureau volunteersare available to speak to your group about:

■ The warning signs of Alzheimer Disease■ Ways to help families affected by

Alzheimer Disease and related disorders■ Services provided by the Alzheimer Society

To arrange a presentation, call or email us today.

943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699alzeducation@alzheimer.mb.ca

Memory Walk 2005 - Thank you!Grand Prize Sponsor:

General Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Fredette’s Family Foods

Neon Cone, Pepsi, Frogurt’s

Dauphin Meat Processors

Western Bakery

Dauphin Consumers

Co-op Food Centre

Ecowater

Winkler Co-op

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is kicking off Winnipeg’s Door-to-Doorcampaign this year in September!

This annual educational and fundraisinginitiative usually takes place duringAlzheimer Awareness Month in January, but canvassers now have the choice ofcanvassing in September or January. Lastyear’s campaign raised $80,000 for theAlzheimer Society’s programs, services andsearch for a cure. Please support ourcanvassers if they knock on your door thisSeptember.

Joyce has been knocking on doors in hersenior’s condo in support of the AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba for over three years, andshe has no intention of stopping any time soon.

“It’s easy to do,” she says.“There are 30 suites here and I know most of the people. I’ve hada really good response every year.

For the second year, the Alzheimer Societyof Manitoba is offering canvassers theopportunity to participate in Door-to-Door ineither September or January. Whatever themonth someone chooses to participate in,Joyce stresses that Door-to-Door isimportant because it makes asking fordonations more personal.

“If you receive a letter in the mail (askingfor donations) you can say – oh, I’ll look atit later. But, you tend to contribute ifsomeone comes to your door.”

Joyce also has a personalinterest in helping the

Alzheimer Society. After a close friend of hers wasdiagnosed with Alzheimer Disease,Joyce found out how helpful theAlzheimer Society can be.

“I think if someone has a family memberor friend with Alzheimer Disease, they needall the support they can get,” she says. “Justknowing you aren’t alone is very helpful.”

Interested in participating in our Door-to-Door Campaign this September?Please call 943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699or e-mail events@alzheimer.mb.ca

Who’s That Knocking at Your Door?

Meet Dr. Jack DiamondScientific Director of the

Alzheimer Society of Canada on World Alzheimer’s Day onWednesday, September 21st

• 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.at the Bethania Mennonite PCH

1045 Concordia Ave. for Coffee Break and meet/greet

• 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Samuel N. Cohen Auditorium

St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre351 Tache Ave.

for a public presentation.

Learn about advancements in Alzheimer Disease research and what

to expect in the years ahead.

continued on page 3

B

Reducing the Risk