A Changing Melody 2006

Mark your calendars! The Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP) has partnered for a third year with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and the Dementia Advocacy Support Network International to host A Changing Melody Forum. The forum, which will be held November 5, 2006 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, Ontario, will run in conjunction with the 28th Alzheimer Society of Canada National Conference November 6th to 8th.

Building on the success of 2004 and 2005, A Changing Melody will once again provide a positive environment for persons with early stage dementia and their partners in care. The forum will encourage people to learn from one another, as well as dementia care experts, about how to actively improve their quality of life. With a theme of “Fight to Win,” this unique event will focus on enhancing one’s learning and abilities.

The forum opens at 9:30 a.m. with keynote speakers Brenda Hounam and Elaine Smith, two remarkable women with dementia. Brenda and Elaine will share their insights and coping strategies, as well as provide advice on how to fight together to win. From there, the day will be a blend of guest speakers, panel discussions, question and answer periods and networking sessions.

Topics to be covered include:

• empowering people with knowledge
• enhancing abilities through meaningful activities
• rising above misconceptions.

Conference participants and presenters are also being asked to bring something that symbolizes a meaningful activity to them, such as photography or knitting. These items will then be showcased throughout the day for everyone to enjoy.

Brochures with full program details and registration forms will be available in July by contacting MAREP, or in downloadable PDF from the MAREP website (www.marep.uwaterloo.ca/conferences/). Online registration will also begin in late July on the MAREP website. For more information about A Changing Melody, contact Lisa Loiselle at 519-888-4567, Ext. 5040.

A videotaped copy of “A Changing Melody 2005: Taking Control of Our Lives” is now available in DVD and VHS format. For more information or to order your copy, please visit the MAREP website. Copies will also be available for purchase at this year’s forum.