Editor:
As another Alzheimer’s Awareness Month wraps up, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone in the South Fraser region who joined us challenging the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Your support is shifting the narrative around dementia, helping people across the province understand that anyone who is affected by the disease – whether living with it or supporting someone who is – can find ways to live full and meaningful lives, discovering moments of joy, peace and even happiness. But to do that, they need support and a community around them.
Here in B.C., more than 85,000 people are living with some form of dementia; projections indicate that this number will double over the next 15 years. Someone reading this might be concerned about it, might have a new diagnosis or be caring or someone who is – and they deserve to be able to live as well as possible. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is here to connect people to the support they need and to a broader community of care.
We can’t do it alone, though. We encourage everyone in our communities to maintain connections and actively seek ways to support people in their lives who may be navigating the complexities of this disease. Our collective commitment can shape a future where individuals affected by dementia are embraced, understood, and included.
Change is a process and though it doesn’t happen overnight. Your continued commitment is instrumental in creating a province where individuals and families living with dementia are not only welcomed but actively acknowledged and included. By sharing your stories and publishing our letters, local media has played a crucial role in fostering a better understanding of dementia’s impact on local families. By working together, we can create a more dementia-friendly B.C.
We invite you to save Sunday, May 26 in your calendar! This marks the date of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s flagship fundraising event, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. Taking place in 20 communities across British Columbia, the Walk will see thousands of people walking and fundraising together, in their local communities, to support and honour people affected by dementia. Registration opened on Feb. 1. To learn more, visit WalkForAlzheimers.ca.
If you or someone you know is concerned about or affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline (1-800-936-6033) to learn about the disease or find out about support groups and other services available in this region. Support is also available in Mandarin or Cantonese at 1-833-674-5007 and in Punjabi at 1-833-674-5003. Learn more about us at alzheimerbc.org.
Avalon Tournier
Alzheimer Society of B.C.
South Fraser region
