Get Involved this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Every January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to help educate the public about the disease and fight the stigma associated with those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that primarily affects individuals over 65 years old. It is marked by the progressive destruction of brain cells, impacting individuals’ cognitive abilities and memory. While not the only form of dementia that affects older adults, it is the most common.

Experts have estimated that 1.7 million Canadians will be living with a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s by 2050, making research and care a top priority for Canadian healthcare organizations and long-term care homes.

The Alzheimer’s Society suggests that the most common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:

  • Accelerated memory loss that affects one’s day-to-day activities
  • Difficulty doing typical or familiar tasks
  • Forgetting words
  • Disorientation or forgetting the time and place
  • Impaired judgement
  • Problems with abstract thinking
  • Misplacing things
  • Changes in mood, personality, and behaviour
  • Loss of initiative and interest in common activities
  • Challenges with vision, spatial information, and depth perception

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s currently, researchers around the world are working on finding one. There are medications presently available, however, which have been shown to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

It is important to keep adults with Alzheimer’s physically and mentally active, as well as socially active in their communities as much as possible, to help them stay connected and improve their health outcomes.

What can I do to get involved this month?

Throughout this month, the Alzheimer Society of BC will be sharing the experiences of many people affected by dementia across the province who have found meaning, connection and joy after a dementia diagnosis. These stories aim to foster better understanding the importance of reaching out.

To meet people affected by dementia who are sharing their stories during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, visit alzbc.org/aam2025.

Check out Alzheimer Society of BC’s upcoming events:

  • Alzheimer’s Awareness in the Columbia Valley (Invermere Public Library – Mezzanine) – Thursday, January 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.

How can I support myself or someone I know with Alzheimer’s?

If you or someone you know has Alzheimer’s, understand that it can be a challenging time, but you are not alone. Check out the resources put together by the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. for more information about Alzheimer’s disease. Stigma prevents people with Alzheimer’s, as well as their caregivers, from getting the support they need, so consider sharing what you’ve learned about Alzheimer’s to help break down barriers and reduce misinformation.

Call the First Link® Dementia Helpline if you need support or information (toll-free in B.C. only):

  • English: 1-888-950-3593 (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.)

You can also check out Route65.ca’s navigator tool  to help you find suitable options for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, including long-term care, assisted living and home health.

Read more

Alzheimer’s disease in Canada: Stats, resources and impact on Canadians | Healthing.ca

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month | Alzheimer Society of British Columbia

Leading causes of death, total population, by age group (statcan.gc.ca)

The 10 warning signs of dementia | Alzheimer Society of Canada

Brain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia | Alzheimer Society of Canada

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