On January 7, East Kootenay residents will be invited to participate in Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a national campaign aiming to change public perception of what it means to live with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Negative attitudes and misconceptions held by friends, family and professionals discourage people from getting a diagnosis, seeking treatment and support or disclosing their illness. This can affect well-being and the ability to manage the changes brought about by dementia.

A recent poll conducted by Insights West showed that the majority of British Columbians know someone living with dementia but that 60% say that they are not confident that they would know what to do if they encountered someone who needed assistance and might be living with dementia.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. connects people living with dementia, their caregivers and family members to support and education at any point in the disease through First Link® dementia support.

People can connect to support by asking their health-care provider for a referral, by visiting their local resource centre or by calling the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

To learn more about the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, visit alzheimerbc.org.

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