When Gord Aronec’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease almost ten years ago, he felt the need to do something to help other familiesdealing with a similar situation. Within a year of his father’s diagnosis, he foundthe perfect way to make a difference – the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Annual Gala.

“The Gala is a good venue to help spread the word about Alzheimer Diseaseand of what the Alzheimer Society cando. The more it’s out in the open, thesooner people can address the symptomsof the disease and get help.”

The annual “Partners in Care Gala” is a corporate fundraising and awareness event. It features a fabulous dinner,entertainment, as well as live and silent auctions. The event has raised overhalf a million dollars since it began in 1988. All the proceeds go to support the Alzheimer Society’s programs and services, and to help find a cure.

Gord has participated in almost every facet of Gala, and his commitment tothe event is unwavering. He has volunteered in everything from sponsorship

and ticket chair to chairing the event itself. In every role, he has displayedremarkable enthusiasm and passion to help guarantee each Gala is even moresuccessful and memorable than the last.

“I never want the Gala to become stagnant. I always want it to keep growing,” he says. “That’s why I didn’t want to chair the Gala more thanonce. We need to have other people put their stamp on things and offer their input and ideas.”

Gord was surprised to hear he was the recipient of this year’s OutstandingVolunteer Fundraiser Award.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” he said. “It’s always nice to be acknowledged for the work you do, but that’s not why I do it.”

Unfortunately, Alzheimer Disease has claimed two close family members.Gord’s father passed away several years ago and his mother-in-law succumbedto the disease just this year. Gord is also a long-time donor to the AlzheimerSociety and together, with his family, have purchased a leaf on our Tree ofMemories in honour of his father and mother-in-law. He feels it’s important for him to stay involved.

“Some people don’t have the time to volunteer and they give in other ways. I started re-evaluating how I was helping charities. I found I could make moreof a difference by volunteering.”

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OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER AWARD

The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award is given out annually to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary and unerring commitment to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. It encompasses all areas of fundraising, including the dissemination of educational

information and the mission of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba while utilizing a demonstrated high level of professionalism.

Gord Aronec

“The key word in volunteering is Caring.When you care, volunteering comes from your heart,” says Doris Goodmansonof Winnipeg, the recipient of this year’sDistinguished Member award. “I just like to be helpful.”

Doris embraces the spirit of volunteerism.She is helpful, kind and conscientious.Doris has been working tirelessly as anAlzheimer Society volunteer for the pastdecade. She has helped with MemoryWalk – as a participant and a volunteer, a Door-to-Door canvasser, as a Coffee Breakhost, as a Tag Day coordinator and tagger,as a Gala volunteer and as a volunteer in the Educational Display program.

Each year Doris recruits volunteers to work at her local Safeway store duringTag Day. She said she appreciates the welcoming efforts of the Safeway manager so much that she bakes him a pie just to say thank you. Doris addsthat she is more than happy to help because she enjoys being actively involvedand feels good knowing that she is contributing.

Doris’s involvement with the Alzheimer Society began in 1994 when a goodfriend asked her to participate alongside her in Memory Walk. That year, theduo walked in support of a friend’s mother who had Alzheimer Disease. Doris still remembers her first Memory Walk from Deer Lodge Hospital toAssiniboine Park. “I really enjoyed it and I still have the t-shirt,” admits Dorislaughingly. “Every time I wear it, someone asks me if they can have it, but I am not giving it up yet!”

Since her first contact with the Alzheimer Society, Doris has been steadfast insupporting the many programs and events that the Society hosts. “AlzheimerDisease can hit anyone at any time and no one knows that better than me,”she says. Almost 6 years ago, Doris’s husband, Raymond was diagnosed withAlzheimer Disease. She says it is ironic that her husband was diagnosed withthe Disease that she was trying to raise awareness of. “He has been in a carehome for about two years now. This September we will be celebrating our60th wedding anniversary. Too long to trade each other in!”

Doris visits Raymond several times a week and also volunteers at the RiverEastPersonal Care Home where he lives. “I help out however I can. I visit with theresidents and bring them to activities. I do it because I have gotten to knowthe residents and I really love them.” Doris says she also helps the staff organize a Memory Walk at the home each year. “We take the residents on a nice walk through the neighbourhood and by a duck pond. They love going out for walks and it is good for them to be outside,” says Doris.

“It’s all what you put in to it,” says Doris about volunteering, emphasizing that volunteering is an enjoyable part of her life. “I don’t do it to receiverecognition.”

Doris says that her greatest wish is to see more public exposure for Alzheimer Disease. “People are becoming a lot more knowledgeable, but we still have a long way to go,” says Doris. “We need to continue raising awareness of this disease.”

Congratulations Doris, for earning the title of Distinguished Member of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Your giving spirit is both admirable and awe inspiring!

DISTINGUISHED MEMBER AWARD

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba established the Distinguished Member Award in 1987 as a way to recognize, honour and celebrate a volunteer’s initiative and dedication to the work of the Society. Recipients must demonstrate

an exceptional commitment to raising awareness of Alzheimer Disease and related disorders.

Doris Goodmanson

• Report of the President & Executive Director

• Advocacy Update

• Research Update

• And Much More!

INSIDE

• Pat McCormack-Speak, PRESIDENT

• Mary Janzen, VICE PRESIDENT

• Bryan Crowley, TREASURER

• Diane Amos, SECRETARY

• Dr. Barry Campbell, PAST-PRESIDENT

• David Christianson

• Lois Fjeldsted

• Judy Huston

• Joanna Knowlton

• Judy Mathieson

• Richard Nokonczny

• John A. Nesbitt

• Cornelia van Ineveld

Client Services staff responded to almost 6,000 HELPLINE calls – representing a 42% increase. HELPLINE is often the first point of contact for people looking for information, support and resources at theAlzheimer Society. Callers were sent information kits, print material, and were given emotional supportand counseling.

Two Support Groups for People with Alzheimer Disease and RelatedDisorders currently run out of the provincial office. Group membershave expressed how important the group is to them, and how it offersa supportive and respectful environment to share their feelings anddiscuss their concerns.

People with Alzheimer Disease and related disorders, along with their families, are publicly speaking out about their personal experiences living with dementia. This year, the Patzer family spoke at our Annual Conference, the Singer family shared their story at our Annual Gala, and Bruce Wilson participated in a national awareness campaign.

33 Education and Support Groups for caregivers are available throughout the province, with 8 groups in Winnipeg and 24 groups in rural Manitoba. Through evaluations, we found that 95% of the participants found these meetingsuseful in providing information and in giving them a better understanding of community resources andhow to access them.

Alzheimer Society Volunteers continued to donate their time andefforts to help people affected by Alzheimer Disease and related disorders. Last year alone, they donated 8,809 hours to help supportour programs, services and events. Thank you to all our hardworkingvolunteers who make it possible for us to continue providing our programs and services to the people who need them.

Through the promotion of our programs and services, our outreachwork to community agencies has resulted in referrals almost doublingsince last year. We had 646 referrals by home care, community agencies and physicians.

2,384 individuals received information about Alzheimer Disease andthe care needs of those with Alzheimer Disease through professionalin-services, family education sessions and the Alzheimer Society’sAnnual Conference. Education sessions offered to professionals increased by 7%.

474 people attended our Annual Conference, “Partners in Care…Creating Community,” and the feedback we received was very positive in terms of program quality, content and plenary speakers.Highlights of the conference included an audio-visual presentation of the MacRae family’s experience with Alzheimer Disease, as well as keynote speakers Dr. Jude Poirier and Dr. Stephen Post.

The Alzheimer Society’s provincial and regional offices continue to participate in senior resource councils and organizations serving seniorsthroughout Manitoba. These relationships allow us to educate membersabout our programs and services thereby encouraging referrals.

Residents in rural Manitoba, as well as in remote areas of the province,attended 5 informational sessions about Alzheimer Disease throughManitoba Telehealth. Where space permitted, site coordinators included families of people with Alzheimer Disease in the sessions.

The Safely Home – Wandering Registry resulted in a 63% increase inrequests for information. There are currently 727 Manitobans currentlylisted on the registry.

Over 10,000 visitors accessed our Web site this past year, a 23%increase from last year. In mid February, we unveiled our newlydesigned Web site and in March we received an incredible 3,056 visitors to the site. This is believed to be a result of Web site promotions to conference participants, clients and event participants.

This year we recorded more than 200 media exposures through radio,newspaper and TV media in the form of advertisements, commercials,newspaper articles, PSA’s and news reports.

Over 1,100,000 pieces of awareness and education material was distributed through our Awareness Programs.

86 Speakers Bureau presentations were given to a variety of community groups, representing a 75% increase. In addition, 51 presentations were made to 1,136 students in Elementary and Secondary school settings.

The Board ofDirectors

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ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF MANITOBA

Provincial OfficeUnit 10 Mezzanine120 Donald StWinnipeg, MB R3C 4G2PHONE: 943-6622EMAIL: alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca

Westman Regional OfficePHONE: 729-8320EMAIL: alzwm@alzheimer.mb.ca

South Central Regional OfficePHONE: 325-5634EMAIL: alzsc@alzheimer.mb.ca

North Central Regional OfficePHONE: 239-4898EMAIL: alznc@alzheimer.mb.ca

North Eastman Regional OfficePHONE: 348-3505EMAIL: alzne@alzheimer.mb.ca

Parkland Regional OfficePHONE: 638-6691EMAIL: alzprk@alzheimer.mb.ca

HELPLINE1-800-378-6699in Winnipeg call943-6622www.alzheimer.mb.ca

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2004/2005

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Bruce Wilson, member of ourSupport Group for People withAlzheimer Disease and Related

Disorders, participated on a national awareness campaign

this year.

Nadine Konyk, Client ServicesCoordinator at the AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba, and BarbRivest, member of our Support

Group for People with AlzheimerDisease and Related Disorders.

Lawrence Singer, a member of our Support Group for Peoplewith Alzheimer Disease and

Related Disorders, and his wife,Marsha, at this year’s

Annual Gala.

Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’sWesbite at

www.alzheimer.mb.ca

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The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba continues to strengthen its commitment to Alzheimer Disease research. In 2004-2005,The Alzheimer Society directed more than $74,000 to fundresearch approved through our National Research Program, and supported a Graduate Student Fellowship through theUniversity of Manitoba.

Pradeep Benoni Salins, a graduate student in the department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics at theUniversity of Manitoba, was the recipient of a $3,000 Graduate Student Fellowship Grant. He is part of a researchteam at the St. Boniface Research Centre that is examining the neuroprotective effects of Lithium in Alzheimer Disease

Lithium has long been used to treat bipolar disorders, and is also known as ‘the aspirin of the brain’ because it is neuroprotective in nature. It mimics the wnt pathway by inactivating an enzyme called GSK-3ß. The wnt pathwayis associated with early development and is known to be neuroprotective,which means that it helps to keep the brain healthy.

When the wnt pathway is working properly, the GSK-3ßenzyme remains inactive and that helps brain cells survive. The main culprit for brain cell death is the Amyloid BetaProtein (a.k.a. the Alzheimer Protein) because it interrupts the wnt pathway and causes the cells to commit suicide. This pathway is just one of many affected by Amyloid Beta.

The $3,000 one-year research grant given by the AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba to post-graduate students will help Salins better understand the biochemical pathways that arealtered in brain cells, and how that leads to cell death andAlzheimer Disease. Salins says he was overjoyed to hear he had received the grant.

“It really meant something to me,” says Salins. “It was the first grant I received after coming Canada from India (a year ago.) It’s the extra push I need to continue my research.”

RESEARCH

On the eve of the anniversary of Dr. Alois Alzheimer’s discovery of a diseasethat would eventually bear his name, we feel it fitting to share with you a story of that journey.

The setting for this story takes place almost 100 years ago. There are noresources to help people affected by Alzheimer Disease, nor are there programs and services to help those diagnosed maintain a good quality oflife. Both people with Alzheimer Disease and caregivers are left to feel alone,helpless and without hope for the future.

Now we’ll fast-forward this story to the present time. The slogan for ourJanuary 2005 Alzheimer Awareness Campaign was, “The Story is Changing,”and if the achievements we have made this past year are any indication, thatstory is changing for the better.

Unlike those affected by Alzheimer Disease almost a century ago, thoseaffected today are not alone. People with Alzheimer Disease and family caregivers can now join support groups where members share their commonexperiences and exchange information. Comments from group membersmade in the past year indicate they enjoy belonging to a group that is bothhelpful and supportive.

The awareness of our programs and services, such as the support groups, has increased dramatically since last year. Calls to our HELPLINE haveincreased 61% over the last year with 161 calls from individuals withAlzheimer Disease or related disorder and 4055 calls from family caregivers.

We have also expanded the way individuals can access our services. The Third Party Referral process offers community and health agencies a different mechanism to refer to the Society that best suits the individual they are supporting. That means that even more people have been made aware ofhow we can help, so they don’t have to feel alone in dealing with a diagnosisof Alzheimer Disease.

Furthermore, we are increasing our reach to people in rural and remote areasof Manitoba via Manitoba Telehealth. This has proved to be an incredibleopportunity to reach and educate more Manitobans about Alzheimer Diseaseand related disorders, as well as to create awareness of what the AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba has to offer. The Alzheimer Society presented five sessions in 2004-05, and site co-ordinators included families of people withAlzheimer Disease in sessions where space permitted.

Another way the story has changed for people with Alzheimer Disease is they no longer feel helpless. They are advocating for their own care and areempowering themselves with the vast amount of information and resourcesthat are available. For example, the Alzheimer Society is teaming up withmembers of its support groups for people with Alzheimer Disease to advocatefor the rights of those with a diagnosis of dementia to access Handi-Transit.

Handi-Transit is currently reviewing their eligibility criteria, and people withdementia are not explicitly included in the new criteria. 17 members of thesupport groups for people with Alzheimer Disease and related disorders haveparticipated in discussions on this topic.

By taking an active role in the community, the stigma surrounding AlzheimerDisease and related disorders is disappearing. People with Alzheimer Diseaseare being perceived as productive and valuable individuals. They themselvesare taking a more active role in their care and in maintaining a good qualityof life. People are recognizing that they can live well far into their illnesses.They are remaining engaged and living to their fullest while keeping physically, mentally and spiritually active.

This trend is expected to have a great impact on the future, and research suggests we may have reason to be hopeful. In January 2004, the AlzheimerSociety 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 riskfactors for Alzheimer Disease and thereby delay its onset.” This has translatedin to a focus on disease prevention and on planning for the future.

With over 3/4 million Canadians expected to be diagnosed with AlzheimerDisease or a related disorder by 2034, it is crucial we plan for the future. One of the ways we are achieving this is through the Alzheimer Strategy, and we are thrilled at the progress that has been made this year towards its implementation.

The Alzheimer Strategy contains nine issues with goals and actions to providethe best care and support possible to people affected by Alzheimer Diseaseand related disorders. This Strategy will help everyone affected by a dementia,including the people themselves, family caregivers and health professionals.

In 2004, an Alzheimer Strategy Overview Committee was formed to providedirection and to set priorities with respect to implementing the Strategy. The Alzheimer Society holds two of the 13 seats on the committee.

In addition, two working groups have been struck. The first will focus on education for the community, individuals affected, caregivers and healthproviders, and the second on access to information through the use of technology. We are one step closer to implementing the Alzheimer Strategy,and one step closer to improving the lives of people affected by a dementia.

The story of Alzheimer Disease is ever changing, and so are the ways that the public is supporting the efforts of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Last year’s Memory Walk, for example, was the most successful to date with $135,000 raised and a record breaking 93 personal care homes that participated. It’s an incredible feeling to know that so many people are joining in the fight against Alzheimer Disease and related disorders.

The latest chapter in the story of Alzheimer Disease has yielded some incredible results, and we at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba are extremelyproud of what we have accomplished this past year. There is still much workto be done, but we know the next chapter will be even more successful thanthe last, and that one day we’ll be able to close the book on AlzheimerDisease and related disorders once and for all.

Pradeep Benoni-Salins,recipient of the Student

Fellowship Research Grantand Dr. Francis Amara,

who is overseeing Pradeep’s research.

of the President andExecutive Director

REPORT

Pat McCormack-Speak, PRESIDENT & Sylvia Furch Rothney, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“ Our programs and

services continue to

help enhance the lives

of people affected by

Alzheimer Disease

and related disorders.”

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

REVENUE BREAKDOWN

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An excerpt from the audited financial statements of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba for the year ending March 31, 2005. The financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP are available upon request.

Statement of Operations for the Year Ended March 31, 2005.

Revenue 2005 2004

Campaigns $ 453,382 $ 440,790

Direct Marketing 237,216 260,660

Donations 634,663 501,564

Grants 70,506 92,237

Interest and other income 20,107 28,243

Program 55,271 56,607

1,471,145 1,380,101Expenses

Campaigns 191,168 184,069

Client Services 233,969 226,345

Community Development 144,559 137,133

Direct Marketing 64,232 145,402

Education 375,239 380,437

Organizational Development 86,398 77,264

Program and Office Administration 252,037 218,690

1,347,602 1,369,340

Revenue over Expenditures 123,543 10,761

Net Investment in Capital assets (11,141) (493)

Service Stabilization Reserve, beginning of year 549,970 592,200

Funds transferred to general reserve (123,674) (52,498)

Service Stabilization Reserve, end of year $ 538,698 $ 549,970

General Reserve, end of year $ 176,172 $ 52,498

The Service Stabilization Reserve is intended to maintain current expenditure levels in the event of interrupted revenues. The General Reserve is intended for special projects and unanticipated expenditures.

Statement of Research Revenue and Expenditures for the Year Ended March 31, 2005.

Research Income $ 5,745 $ 1,568

Research Expenses 77,133 251,091

Excess of income over expenses for the year (71,388) (249,523)

Retained research revenue, beginning of year 190,335 439,858

Funds transferred from unrestricted net assets – –

Retained research revenue, end of year $ 118,947 $ 190,335

For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006 the Society has committed an amount of $76,357 to fund research approved through the National Research Program and an amount of $6,000 to fund graduate student fellowships.

Alzheimer StrategyWe are pleased to report that progress is being made withthe Alzheimer Strategy. The Strategy consists of nine key recommendations (education, guidelines for diagnosis, standards, family and individual support, programs and services,case management and collaboration, equitable access,human and financial concerns, and research and evaluation)and is one step closer to the implementation phase.

As promised by the provincial government, a stakeholderadvisory committee was established and met for the firsttime on January 24th. The Alzheimer Strategy OverviewCommittee, co-chaired by Manitoba Health and theWinnipeg Regional Health Authority, has met twice. The 13 member committee is comprised of key representativesof community and health groups, including the AlzheimerSociety of Manitoba, the Manitoba Society of Seniors, theCentre on Aging, Winnipeg and Regional Health Authorities,Healthy Aging Senior’s Secretariat, and Psycho-geriatrics.

The purpose of the committee is:

To share information on the current status of initiativeswithin the Stakeholder Groups and the Regional HealthAuthorities

To analyze and provide updates on new developments

To identify current and future partnership opportunities

To develop clinical guidelines for the care of persons withAlzheimer Disease and related disorders

To better coordinate Alzheimer Disease and related disorders education policies and services

“We are very pleased to see the Alzheimer Strategy moveforward. This is an important milestone for all Manitobansaffected by Alzheimer Disease and related disorders,” saysWendy Schettler, Program Director of the Alzheimer Societyof Manitoba. “The Alzheimer Society holds two seats on the overview committee and has joined two working committees that were established at the first meeting. We are already making great progress.”

Handi-TransitThe Alzheimer Society of Manitoba has been advocating for the rights of people with Alzheimer Disease and relateddisorders to have access to Handi-Transit services. In August2004, the Alzheimer Society met with the Director of theCity of Winnipeg's Handi-Transit service where it was madeclear that individual's with cognitive impairment did nothave the right to access Handi-Transit services.

As Handi-Transit was in the process of reviewing their eligibility criteria, the Alzheimer Society recommended thatthe criteria be expanded to include people with cognitiveimpairment. The director of Handi-Transit has recommendedthat this group NOT be included.

To date the Society has not met with success in expandingthe eligibility criteria to include people with cognitive impairment. We are members of the Manitoba League forPersons with Disabilities Community Transportation Coalitionon Handi-Transit (regarding eligibility criteria) and have madepresentations to the Manitoba League for Persons withDisabilities’ Board of Directors, the city of Winnipeg’s Accesscommittee, the Handi-Transit advisory committee and theStanding Committee on Public works. The Manitoba Leaguefor Person's with Disabilities has passed a motion supportingour position.

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba also sought the legaladvice of the Public Interest Law Centre to determine if wehave a case of discrimination based on cognitive disabilitieswithin the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedomsand the Manitoba Human Rights Code. A letter was sent tothe Director of Handi-Transit on our behalf stating that denyingaccess of people with cognitive disabilities to Handi-Transitservices violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Special Events/Campaigns30.82%

Direct Marketing16.12%

Grants3.02%

GovernmentSustaining Grant

1.77%

Donations43.14%

Program3.76% Interest and

other income1.37%

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ADVOCACY UPDATES