Investors Group is hosting the Alzheimer Society of BC’s Walk for Memories, a walk in support of Alzheimer’s research, on Sunday, January 30 at Powell River Recreation Complex.
This year’s walk is being held in honour of Philip Knight, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago. Philip has lived in Powell River since 1952 and is well known in the community for his work with the Knights of Columbus and for hosting its bingo nights. Philip worked in the pulp and paper mill, now owned by Catalyst Paper Corporation, for 35 years and is also a veteran of World War Two, having served with the Canadian forces in Italy, Belgium and Holland.
Now 87 years old, Philip is no longer able to participate in the community the way he once did. Philip is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and his life has already changed considerably. Despite having a sharp long-term memory, Philip’s short-term memory is already considerably compromised. He often repeats himself and has trouble remembering simple things in daily life.
“I think I remembered all the time, but I couldn’t remember whether I did remember,” said Philip jokingly.
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, meaning that Philip will get worse over time. Philip takes drugs for Alzheimer’s and his wife, Antoinette, said that while the prescriptions won’t cure him they are supposed to slow the progress of the disease. As Philip’s wife and now caregiver, Antoinette has had to take over all of the household duties and is on her own when it comes to any decision making.
“It’s like being a widow but having your husband still with you,” said Antoinette. “Basically, I’m a one-person entity in the house.”
Philip said that it’s frustrating not being able to function normally or do certain activities. Antoinette said he often gets angry or upset at not being able to remember things and for having to be looked after. For him he not only forgets what he was angry about but about being angry in the first place. Antoinette said she has a harder time forgetting outbursts but always reminds herself that it’s not the person lashing out, it’s the disease.
Antoinette said the support services in the community, including home care services provided through Powell River Home Health Services and a caregiver group every second Thursday at Powell River Community Health Centre, are a big help. Veteran’s Affairs Canada has also been an immense help to the Knights in terms of financial support. Antoinette thinks the walk is a worthy cause and would like to see more money going toward research into Alzheimer’s and support and education associated with the disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s society more than 70,000 people in BC have Alzheimer’s or a related dementia and nearly 10,000 are under the age of 65. Nationally, one in 11 people over 65 has Alzheimer’s. A recent online survey by the society found that a large portion of baby boomers heading toward the prime age for the onset of Alzheimer’s have inadequate knowledge of the disease. Of those surveyed 24 per cent were unable to name early signs of the disease while less than half were able to identify later-stage symptoms, other than memory loss, such as hallucinations or loss of basic functions.
People can register for the walk online or call 604.483.9099 or 1.800.667.3742. On-site registration for the walk opens at 1 pm at the complex and the walk itself will take place from 1:30 to 3 pm.
