Bank employees take steps to combat dementia as cases climb

Volunteers with the Alzheimer Society Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District were joined by employees from the Royal Bank for the annual “Sea of Blue” walk along Great Northern Road this morning.

The event raises funds and awareness for the 3,400 families in the Sault and surrounding area who rely on dementia-related services through the Alzheimer Society.

Executive director Terry Caporossi said fundraisers like Wednesday’s are more important now than ever before as they brace for an inevitable surge in cases.

“Dementia is on the rise,” he told SooToday. “In the last three years, our referrals have increased over 47 per cent. In the next ten years, we expect that our numbers are going to at least double. But we continue to grow as an organization, which means we can provide more support.”

“Events like this demonstrate the partnerships we build within our community who support the work that we do,” he added. “Without those partnerships, we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do here.”

According to 2021 census data, the number of seniors in Sault Ste. Marie, like virtually every small town across the country, has been on a steady rise.

Nearly 25 per cent of the city’s population was 65 or older as of three years ago, compared to 19 per cent in 2011 and just 16 per cent in 2001.

“That’s indicative of the services we provide,” Caporossi said. “We know the population in the Sault is getting older.”

RBC is donating more than $2,000 to the Alzheimer Society from today’s walk, all of which will stay right here in the community.

Among the Society’s services and resources that directly benefit from the donations includes their adult day program and minds in motion program, as well as cognitive assessments, counselling, and recreational therapy.

“The funds we raise are very important, but even more importantly is the awareness around dementia-related diseases and what the Alzheimer Society can provide for families,” Caporossi said. “That education and awareness go a long way.”

The Alzheimer Society has nearly 200 registered volunteers and is governed by a 12-member board of directors.

Caporossi is beyond impressed by his team’s ability to continue delivering their services to the growing number of locals in need of support.

“We try to build an environment where people feel comfortable coming in and asking questions,” he said. “That’s something I’m really proud our staff does on a daily basis. It’s really gratifying.”

Later this month, the Alzheimer Society will be teaming up with IG Wealth Management for another walk on May 26 at 1 p.m.

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