Many Agassiz and Harrison residents are this month making one of their most important New Years resolutions ever.
They're becoming Dementia Friends, committing to learning a little bit about dementia so they can be supportive and inclusive toward people with the illness, which has become one of the country's most pressing health issues.
Statistics suggest three out of four area residents know someone living with dementia.
"People affected by dementia continue to live in and be a part of our communities, and we can support them to stay connected in ways that are meaningful for them," says Cyndi McLeod, Support and Education Coordinator for the Abbotsford and Mission region's non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. "Through individual actions we can raise awareness of dementia and reduce the stigma attached to it."
The Dementia Friend campaign is the cornerstone of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, which runs until the end of January.
Becoming a Dementia Friend is easy, says McLeod. The process starts by signing up at DementiaFriends.ca.
The next step is to understand five simple things about dementia: that it is not a natural part of aging; it is not just about losing your memory but can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday activities; it is possible to live well with dementia; there is more to a person than a diagnosis of dementia; and the Alzheimer Society of B.C.s Abbotsford and Mission branch is here to help Agassiz and Harrison residents with dementia and their care partners.
That knowledge can easily translate into action at home and work, McLeod adds. The society has supported people living with dementia for 35 years.
One of its initiatives, First Link, connects people affected by dementia with information, the society support services and programs such as Minds in Motion, and dementia education sessions at any stage of the journey. Agassiz and Harrison residents can find out about upcoming education sessions by contacting Cyndi McLeod at 604-859-3889 or cmcleod@alzheimerbc.org, and visiting www.alzheimerbc.org.