Join the walk for Alzheimers

BY Amelia Gillies

The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s vision is a world without dementia; that vision begins with a world where people living with the disease are welcomed, acknowledged and included. Working in communities throughout the province, the society supports, educates and advocates for people with dementia, as well as enabling research into the disease. As part of a national federation, the society is a leading authority on the disease in Canada.

Dementia describes a general group of brain disorders. Symptoms include the loss of memory, impaired judgment, and changes in behaviour and personality. Dementia is progressive, degenerative and eventually terminal. There are an estimated 85,000 people living with dementia in British Columbia, and nearly half a million across the country. This number is expected to double over the next 15 years.

While there is no cure, it is important we continue to take a stand against dementia stigma, show support and champion our vision. We encourage everyone in our region to stay connected with and find ways to support the people in their lives who may lin.’ It’s compact and has lovely soft mauve feathers. be affected by the disease.

How about planting some summer flowering bulbs? Lilies, Abyssinian gladiolus, Crocosmia (a favourite), nerines and corms of gladioli.

In early March, in your veggie garden, you can sow radish and a little later sow lettuce, spinach and Chinese vegetables and shallots.

Overall keep your gardens clean of debris and weeds.

One way you can show your support is by participating in the 2023 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. The Walk takes place in over 20 communities across B.C. on May 28. Registration for the Walk opens on January 25. To learn more, visit walkforalzheimers.ca.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. We need all hands on deck to continue to create a province where people living with the disease and their families are welcomed, acknowledged and included. Together, we are creating a dementia-friendly B.C.

If you or someone you know is con- cerned about or affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline (1-800-9366033) to learn about the disease or find out about support groups and other services available to Sea to Sky and Howe Sound residents. Support is also available in Mandarin or Cantonese at 1-833-674-5007 and in Punjabi at 1-833-674-5003. Learn more at alzheimerbc.org.

Amelia Gillies is the Support & Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for the North Shore & Sunshine Coast region