Updated February 2026
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Workshop Presentation - Visual Aids and Strategies for Healthcare Professionals/Frontline Workers
EVERYONE benefits from Visual Aids!
Contact Vizually Speaking today to learn how customized Visual Aids and Strategies for Healthcare Professionals/Frontline Workers can decrease undesired behaviour(s), improve communication, promote independence, and increase self-confidence. Through our dynamic presentation, you will:
✓ Uncover the importance of using customized Visual Aids and Strategies.
✓ Explore the wide range of benefits of customized Visual Aids and Strategies.
✓ Learn practical ways to overcome communication barriers.
✓ Support independence and decrease undesired behaviours.
✓ Access NEW and valuable resources.
Dr. Alois Alzheimer first identified the disease in 1906. He described the two hallmarks of the disease: “plaques,” which are numerous tiny, dense deposits scattered throughout the brain that become toxic to brain cells at excessive levels, and “tangles,” which interfere with vital processes, eventually choking off the living cells. When brain cells degenerate and die, the brain markedly shrinks in some regions. –Alzheimer Society CanadaI am text block.
Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of the brain and the most common form of dementia. In Canada, more than 750,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, and this number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Alzheimer’s affects different areas of the brain, leading to changes in judgment, reasoning, memory, language, mood and behaviour, and gradually makes everyday activities more difficult. While it was once believed that lost abilities could not be regained, emerging research suggests that some relearning may be possible with customized visual aids and strategies, and appropriate support.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, approximately 1 in 20 Canadians over the age of 65 and 1 in 4 over the age of 85 are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and women are diagnosed at roughly twice the rate of men. Although Alzheimer’s most commonly affects individuals over the age of 65, research indicates that early signs can appear as early as a person’s 40s. The typical course of the disease spans 7 to 10 years, though progression can vary and may be longer for some individuals.
Vizually Speaking understands that finding time in today’s highly demanding world to create customized visual aids and strategies can be a great challenge. Vizually Speaking is committed to working collaboratively, providing step-by-step support and assisting in the development and implementation of customized visual aids and strategies.
Contact us today for your FREE consultation.
There is currently no known single cause of Alzheimer’s disease; however, aging, genetics, and overall health are recognized risk factors. While medications can help manage some symptoms, they do not stop the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s affects each individual differently, progressing through stages that vary in duration, order, and rate of change. These stages occur in varying degrees and can progress slowly, subtly, or overlap. The use of customized visual aids and strategies can provide meaningful support, helping individuals in your care maintain independence and self-esteem while reducing distress, challenging behaviours, and depression.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALZHEIMER’S AND TYPICAL
AGE-RELATED CHANGES?
| SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA | TYPICAL AGE-RELATED CHANGES |
| 1) Poor judgment and decision-making | 1) Making a bad decision once in a while |
| 2) Inability to manage a budget | 2) Missing a monthly payment |
| 3) Losing track of the date or the season | 3) Momentarily forgetting the day or date |
| 4) Difficulty having a conversation | 4) Struggling to find words at times |
| 5) Losing items and being unable to retrace steps | 5) Losing things from time to time |
Vizually Speaking understands that finding time in today’s highly demanding world to create customized visual aids and strategies can be a great challenge. Vizually Speaking is committed to working collaboratively, providing step-by-step support and assisting in the development and implementation of customized visual aids and strategies.
Contact us today for your FREE consultation.
HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY OF THESE WARNING SIGNS?
1.) Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
2.) Challenges in planning or solving problems.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Making occasional errors when balancing a check book.
3.) Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.
4.) Confusion with time or place.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
5.) Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Vision changes related to cataracts.
6.) New problems with words in speaking or writing.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
7.) Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
8.) Decreased or poor judgment.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Making a bad decision once in a while.
9.) Withdrawal from work or social activities.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.
10.) Changes in mood and personality.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Vizually Speaking understands that finding time in today’s highly demanding world to create customized visual aids and strategies can be a great challenge. Vizually Speaking is committed to working collaboratively, providing step-by-step support and assisting in the development and implementation of customized visual aids and strategies.
Contact us today for your FREE consultation.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NOTICE THESE SIGNS
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
With early detection, you can get the maximum benefit from available treatments. You can explore treatments that may provide some relief from symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer. You may also increase your chances of participating in clinical drug trials that help advance research.
Supporting an individual with Alzheimer’s disease involves assisting them with their declining memory and developing behaviours, which may appear from the effects of medications and adjustment to a new life situation. The use of customized visual aids and strategies can support individuals experiencing gradual declines in memory, language, mood, and behaviour, helping to maintain functional independence and improve overall quality of life.
Vizually Speaking understands that finding time in today’s highly demanding world to create customized visual aids and strategies can be a great challenge. Vizually Speaking is committed to working collaboratively, providing step-by-step support and assisting in the development and implementation of customized visual aids and strategies.
Contact us today for your FREE consultation.
