From broadcast to awareness: Changing the narrative about dementia

Anne Petrie’s voice has long been a familiar one to Canadians. Beginning in 1975, she built a distinguished career with CBC radio and television, hosting afternoon radio shows and becoming the first host of CBC Newsworld. For nearly three decades, Anne was the presence in living rooms across Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg.

Now residing in Victoria, Anne is raising her voice once again — this time to help change the narrative about dementia.

Anne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the summer of 2025 at the age of 79. The diagnosis came suddenly, following a routine visit to her family doctor, a referral to a geriatric psychiatrist and a cognitive test. “I was totally shocked,” Anne says. Yet dementia was not unfamiliar, both of her grandmothers had been diagnosed.

She could see the changes — forgetting things, misplacing items and struggling with details that once came easily. A series of traffic tickets and a visit from a concerned police officer about her driving became a turning point.

“I’ve accepted the diagnosis now,” Anne says. “I’ve told my friends and family. Everyone has been very kind — I haven’t felt rejected.”

Following her diagnosis, Anne and her husband quickly connected with the Alzheimer Society of B.C., attending social groups and workshops. “It was a very comforting experience and everyone was open,” she says. “I didn’t question it. I immediately thought about the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and what it might offer.”

For Anne, changing the narrative around dementia means helping people understand the difference between appearances from the outside and the reality of living with a progressive disease. “You worry people will think you’re an idiot,” Anne says. “Your hair is combed, you look fine – and then you make a mistake. It’s hard not to assume there’s something wrong.”

Focused on challenging the stigma and misconceptions of what a person living with dementia “should” look like, Anne explains she’s constantly aware of how others might perceive her. “It’s like you’re walking around with a secret,” she explains. “Except this secret is one you know is going to get bigger and won’t go away.”

That dedication to helping people understand the realities of the disease is why Anne is taking the stage at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Breakfast to Remember, presented by Sidney All Care Residence. Business leaders, health-care providers and community members will come together in Victoria to increase awareness of dementia while hearing from impassioned speakers, like Anne, who inspire action toward building a more dementia-friendly community.

A longtime supporter of the event, the BC Notaries Association’s CEO Chad Rintoul, emphasizes the importance of showing support. "Breakfast to Remember is an opportunity for leaders to move beyond awareness and take meaningful action,” says Chad. “The BC Notaries Association has taken up training opportunities for legal professionals to make their businesses more supportive for families of those with dementia. When business and community leaders come together, it sends a powerful message that people affected by dementia are not alone and that we all have a role to play in building a more supportive environment in B.C.”

Funds raised through Breakfast to Remember directly support the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s programs and services for people at any stage of the disease, while also enabling critical dementia research. Cathryn France, Chief Development Officer of the Alzheimer Society of B.C., highlights the growing urgency. “The number of people living with dementia continues to rise, and with it the need for understanding and support,” she says. “Events like Breakfast to Remember help break down stigma, spark conversation and ensure people affected by the disease can access the resources they need.”

Anne remains focused on living fully. She is currently transforming her home office into an art studio to reenergize her creative practice and encourages others on the dementia journey to hold onto what brings them joy. “We can live meaningful lives,” she says. At Breakfast to Remember, she will remind community leaders how they help people live well with dementia.