Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Forget No One, because no one should face dementia alone.

Dementia remains the health crisis Canadians avoid, even as concern continues to rise.

Over half of Canadians shared how they’re worried about developing Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, and two-thirds would worry about losing their independence if diagnosed.*

Even more troubling, a quarter of Canadians say they would rather not know if they had dementia.*

This is stigma, and it delays diagnosis, limits access to support, and isolates people who need connection the most.

“Make the call. You can cut your fear and anxiety in half by connecting to the Alzheimer's Society. The person at the other end of the phone has answered similar calls hundreds of times. They know what they’re doing.” - Fred K.

Each January, the Alzheimer Society supports and leads Canada's Alzheimer's Awareness Month to encourage people across Canada to learn more about dementia and its impact.

This year, for Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Alzheimer Societies across Canada are showing up with the Forget Me Not flower as a reminder to Forget No One – because no one should face dementia alone. Too many people don’t know where to go for help, but we’re raising our hand to remind Canadians that we’re here to help.

“The Forget-Me-Not is our symbol of hope, but the real action is in connection,” said Christina Scicluna, Chief Executive Officer at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “We want Canadians to know that support is available and connection is possible.”

“My dad struggled to be honest about his concerns during medical appointments because he worried about how my mom would react afterward. If he mentioned anything about her memory or behaviour in front of her, she sometimes became upset or angry later, so he often held back. My Mom's denial of her symptoms made reaching out even harder. Even when the changes were clear, she insisted nothing was wrong.” - Fe W.

“Forget No One”

Join us on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 to show your support and combat stigma by sharing messages of support and engaging in dialogue around dementia. Be sure to use the hashtag #ForgetNoOne and tag us @AlzheimerCanada.

Together, we can replace silence with support and stigma with hope, ensuring no one faces dementia alone today and a future without dementia tomorrow.

Dementia Stigma in Canada

By 2030, researchers project that nearly 1 million people in Canada could be living with dementia.

Awareness is the first step to fighting stigma, combined with advocating for human rights and pushing for policy change through the national dementia strategy.

Stigma against dementia encompasses any negative attitude or discriminatory behaviour against people living with dementia, based on their condition or diagnosis. When a disease is as prevalent as dementia, yet still poorly understood, it's easy for false beliefs to spread.

“Living with dementia is about more than challenges. It's about resilience, creativity, and hope. By seeing strengths and expanding possibilities, we can change the way the world views dementia – and show that life after a diagnosis can still be meaningful and full of purpose.” -Mario G.

Ways to fight stigma against dementia

Learn the facts about dementia

Talking about dementia lessens our fear and increases understanding. The Alzheimer Society has many resources, both online and in print, that you can use to learn about dementia.

Once you've learned more about dementia, share your knowledge with others. If you hear something about dementia that is false or misleading, don't be afraid to challenge it.

Encourage early diagnosis

People with dementia can live meaningful and productive lives for many years after an early diagnosis. When a person receives an early diagnosis it helps both the person and caregiver learn about the condition, set realistic expectations and plan for the future.

By encouraging early diagnosis, you can help eliminate the stigma around dementia. Know the 10 benefits of early diagnosis.

Be a friend

People living with dementia don’t want to lose their friends nor do they want to stop doing the activities they enjoy. Be supportive. Stay in touch and connected. Social activity helps slow the progression of dementia and lets people with dementia know you care. Learn more about being dementia-friendly.

Support the caregiver

Caregivers need support, too. Knowing more about what they go through is a good start – most caregivers wish that more people understood the realities of caring for someone living with dementia.

If you know someone who is caring for a person living with dementia, it's important that you show understanding and offer help. They will appreciate it. Know how to support the caregiver.

Hear from the people who experience stigma

The Alzheimer Society works to raise awareness of the realities of dementia, and fight the effects of stigma. However, there is perhaps no better way to know what stigma is than to listen to the people who have experienced it firsthand.

*Source

Leger is the largest Canadian-owned full-service market research firm. An online survey of 1,606 Canadians aged 18+ was completed between November 7-10, 2025, using Leger’s online panel. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90 per cent. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.45 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Additional Resources

10 easy ways you can fight stigma against dementia

The Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia

Become a member of our Advisory Group of people living with dementia

How to get a dementia diagnosis: Ways to prepare and what to expect