Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 09/02) - Caregivers of relatives suffering from dementia have a new system of support with the opening of the Yellowknife Chapter of the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta.

Marjorie Sandercock looks through some of the support materials on display in the Baker Centre. A full selection of support materials would cost $3,000, she said. - Nathan VanderKlippe/NNSL photo

The idea is being spearheaded by Marjorie Sandercock who is chairing the Yellowknife chapter.

"I've recognized a need for a long time," said Sandercock.

Previously the closest access to in-depth resources and support on dementia related issues was Calgary, where the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta is based, Sandercock said.

The closest chapter of the Alberta society to Yellowknife is the Wood Buffalo chapter in Fort McMurray.

"It's becoming a much bigger issue in town," said Sandercock.

"A lot of people in town are showing up with different types of dementia."

The Yellowknife chapter will start out slowly with two programs.

The first will offer a system of support for family caregivers.

"It's very, very challenging to provide care," said Sandercock. "This will give other people an opportunity to talk with others who are going through the same thing."

The support group will meet every last Thursday of the month at the Baker Community Centre at 7:30 p.m..

The second program is the Alzheimer's resource centre.

The centre is currently limited to two shelves of pamphlets in a space donated by the Baker Centre. However, Sandercock said the goal is to expand the resource centre to include a full spectrum of resources.

That goal will cost the group about $3,000.

The resource centre is available to anyone wishing to learn more about Alzheimer's and dementia related conditions.

Hours of operations are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

The chapter is also currently seeking volunteers and Sandercock encourages anyone interested to contact her.