Advocacy in N.B.
Everyone has a role to play in speaking up about dementia. Advocacy is the actions a person can take to effect change. Advocacy can be both self-advocacy or provincial and municipal advocacy.
What is advocacy
Dementia affects thousands of individuals and families in New Brunswick. While there is no cure, there is hope — in stronger communities, better support, and more informed systems. But change doesn’t happen on its own.
Advocacy is the act of speaking up to protect rights, raise awareness, and improve quality of life. For people living with dementia and their care partners, advocacy often begins by sharing their stories — helping others understand the real impact of the disease and why support matters.
Importance of advocacy
Advocacy helps bring attention to the challenges faced by people living with dementia and those who care for them. It ensures that their voices are heard when decisions are made — in health care, government, workplaces, and communities. Through advocacy, we can challenge stigma, promote dignity and respect, and push for the services and support people need to live well. When individuals and communities speak up, they help create a more inclusive and understanding society for everyone.
The Alzheimer Society’s Role in advocacy
The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick advocates for a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable province for people living with dementia and their care partners. Guided by values of human rights, health equity, accountability, and respect for both scientific and lived experience, our advocacy efforts aim to reduce stigma, improve access to care, and influence policies that support quality of life throughout the dementia journey. We focus on the issues that matter most to families in New Brunswick, and work to ensure their voices are heard in every conversation — from government relations to community awareness and health system change.