January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

More than 85,000 people in B.C. are living with dementia. By understanding lived experiences we can raise awareness and help those affected find meaning and connection after a diagnosis. It can be an overwhelming experience for you, family members, and friends but in B.C. there are resources that can help. With guidance, people affected by this disease have the opportunity to live fulfilling and joyful lives with communities that meet their needs.

To read first hand experiences of people affected by dementia in B.C. who have found meaning, connection, and joy after a diagnosis, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. has several blog post on their website.

This month, we are encouraging our community to take the first steps to fighting stigma and learn a little more about Alzheimer’s.

Resources:

Call the First Link® Dementia Helpline:
English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Workshops by Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Wednesday, January 8:
Dementia-friendly communities (webinar) Register.
Wednesday, January 15:
Lived experience: Different roadmaps for dementia (webinar) Register.
Thursday, January 16:
Dementia diagnosis: What’s next? (virtual workshop) Register.
Wednesday, January 22:
Lived experience: Different roadmaps for caregiving (webinar) Register.
Wednesday, January 29:
Research connects: Exploring co-design with Sakamoto Lab (webinar) Register.