January proclaimed Alzheimer Awareness Month in Sioux Lookout

Tim Brody - Editor

Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance has proclaimed January as Alzheimer Awareness Month in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout.

Lawrance was joined by local Alzheimer Society of Canada volunteer Betty Lawrence on Jan. 4 at the Municipal Office, where the Alzheimer Society of Canada flag was raised.

“Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are everyone’s concern,” Lawrance shared in an official proclamation, adding, “Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias affect an estimated 500,000 Canadians” and “There is an urgent need to reduce the stigma that surrounds Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.”

“Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, and is irreversible,” the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s website states.

“If a cure is not found, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias may prove to have the highest economic, social, and health cost burden of all diseases in Canada. 

“Therefore: I, Doug Lawrance, Mayor of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout do hereby proclaim the month of January 2022, as National Alzheimer Awareness Month and do urge all citizens of our community to become more aware and educated concerning the far-reaching effects of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.”