People living with dementia in Central Alberta will soon be able to get active with a new program called Minds in Motion. The program is being developed by the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories after receiving funding to provide the appropriate training for recreational facilities. 

Recently, the Alzheimer’s Society has been looking for a recreational partner to help facilitate the program and provide the space and means for people to get active. So far, the organization has established a partner in Red Deer but they are still looking in the Lacombe and Blackfalds areas.

“At this point, we don’t know the exact locations. It’s just early days establishing some relationships with some different organizations in the region that we can work with and actually have the program delivered,” explained Laurie Grande, Regional Lead in Client Services for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Alzheimer’s Society will provide the necessary training, program manual, and then will oversee the program. However, the recreation leader would be responsible for its operation, cost, and registration.

Currently, in Alberta, the program is only being offered in the Edmonton area.

Minds in Motion provides a social community for those living with dementia while providing a way to improve physical and brain health.

“We can offer a two-hour program, where during one hour of the program, there is an opportunity to exercise and during the second hour, there will be an opportunity to do some cognitive exercises,” said Grande.

People living with dementia are often disoriented by loud, distracting environments. Minds in Motion provides them with an opportunity to improve their health in a program that is designed specifically for them.

Grande believes that it is good for those living with dementia to see that their quality of life does not need to suffer because of the disease.

“I think it’s very important to provide that opportunity to gather and enjoy time together and realize that there are many in the community who live well with dementia every day.”

As for the price of the program, it will depend on what recreational facilities that partner with the Alzheimer’s Society decide, but Grande can’t see it being much more expensive than your average exercise program.

The program is also a great way for volunteers to gain experience working with people living with dementia.

“The cognitive portion of the program is often run by volunteers. People who have had dementia training through the Alzheimer’s Society and they are often the ones that are facilitating that section of the programming,” explained Grande.

The fitness aspect of the program will be handled by a certified fitness instructor who will also receive specialized training.

Although the program is only in the early stages of development, it is sure to make an impact, with the goal being to form a helpful and healthy community for those living with dementia.