Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Each January, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. takes part in Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
People living with dementia and caregivers often feel overwhelmed after they receive a diagnosis and as the disease progresses. We want more people to know that the Alzheimer Society of B.C. meets people where they’re at, listens to their needs and helps them find the programs, services, resources and information they need for their unique situation.
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be amplifying the voices of people affected by dementia from around the province, who will share their experience with the disease. Scroll down to read firsthand stories about how our programs and resources have helped and learn more about the unique challenges, joys and pivotal moments they have experienced. Through their stories, we hope to increase understanding about the value of reaching out for guidance.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
- Call the First Link® Dementia Helpline if you need support or information (toll-free in B.C. only):
- 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.)
- If you have had good experiences with the Society, we hope you’ll tell people in your life about us. Download the Alzheimer’s Awareness Month toolkit and share knowledge with your community.
Everyone’s journey with dementia is different and no one should have to walk it alone. Read the stories of people from across the province and learn something from each of their experiences.
Throughout January 2025, we are offering opportunities for the community to learn more about dementia and participate in meaningful conversations with people with lived experience.
- Dementia-friendly communities (webinar): Join us to learn more about dementia and explore simple strategies that can create a more supportive, inclusive and welcoming community for people affected by the disease. (Wednesday, January 8, 2 – 3:30 p.m.) | Register online
- Lived experience: Different roadmaps for dementia (webinar): There is no roadmap for living with dementia, but we can be your guide. In January, people living with dementia will explore this year’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month theme by sharing their unique journeys with the disease. Participants will learn how the Alzheimer Society of B.C. listened to their needs and guided them to programs, resources and education that were right for them. Join this insightful webinar to learn how finding a guide can help you find joy, meaning and connection, no matter where you are on the journey. (Wednesday, January 15, 2 – 3:30 p.m.) | Register online
- Dementia diagnosis: What’s next? (virtual workshop): Explore how to navigate life after a dementia diagnosis alongside others who are also on the dementia journey. Discuss the disease’s impact on family, learn practical strategies to live well and access resources that are available at any stage of the disease. For caregivers and people living with dementia. (Thursday, January 16, 10 – 11:30 a.m.) | Register online
- Lived experience: Different roadmaps for caregiving (webinar): There is no roadmap for living with dementia, but we can be your guide. In January, dementia caregivers will explore this year’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month theme by sharing their unique journeys caring for people living with the disease. Participants will learn how the Alzheimer Society of B.C. listened to their needs and guided them to programs, resources and education that were right for them. Join this insightful webinar to learn how finding a guide can help you to continue to find joy, meaning and connection, no matter where you are on the journey.(Wednesday, January 22, 2 – 3:30 p.m.) | Register online
- Alzheimer's Awareness in the Columbia Valley (Invermere Public Library - Mezzanine): Join us for a workshop on brain health and a Q&A session with staff. Let us know what you think rural and remote communities need to better support people affected by dementia. (Thursday, January 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.) | To register, email rwoods@alzheimerbc.org or call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
- Research connects: Exploring co-design with the Sakamoto Lab (webinar): In this presentation, Dr. Mariko Sakamoto will share updates from her program of gerontological research with her team at the University of Victoria and community collaborators. Join us for an introduction to co-design and co-research practices as well as participatory and community-based approaches to dementia research. After the successful development of a Dementia Friendly Community Action Plan co-led by lived experience advocate, Lynn Jackson, Mariko will introduce the next leg of her research journey exploring the role of sharing stories and experiences of dementia caregiving to help improve quality life. This study hopes to capture, explore, and share the experiences of dementia caregiving through personal audio diaries and online caregiver support groups. Findings from this project will be shared with the larger dementia community through a podcast series to spread awareness. (Wednesday, January 29, 2 – 3:30 p.m.) | Register online
Download our toolkit to share this year’s campaign. Help build awareness and ensure no one has to face dementia alone.