The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories proudly announces the unveiling of the ASANT Café, a new online gathering place for people with dementia and their care partners.

The ASANT Café represents a huge leap forward in the Society’s ongoing efforts to provide meaningful and accessible information, education and support, 24-hours a day, for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners, no matter where they live in Alberta.

Bill Gaudette, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories noted, “The Alzheimer Society is excited to be providing this resource for all Albertans touched by dementia.

“Albertans, regardless of where they reside in our province, will have access to the most current resources, education, support and connection with others as they journey through the challenges they face. It is a milestone in dementia care that brings together the best that technology currently offers.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading form of dementia.

It is a fatal progressive disease of the brain that robs memory and steals the ability to reason, communicate and perform daily tasks. Today more than 46,000 Albertans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, with this number expected to increase to more than 100,000 over the next 25 years.

While age remains the biggest risk factor, more and more Canadians in their 40s and 50s are developing the disease. In Alberta, 17% of people with dementia were diagnosed before they were 65.

Funded by Alberta Health, the ASANT Café is a two year project-in-the-making, created to help people connect, share, discuss and learn.

It’s for people with dementia, family members, care partners, friends, individuals – anyone whose life is affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Members can join discussions, watch videos, ask questions and get information from their virtual community. Becoming a member is simple and free of charge.

Join the community at asantcafe.ca.

-Weber