Many Mission residents are this month making one of their most important New Year’s resolutions ever.
They’re becoming Dementia Friends, committing to learning a little bit about dementia so they can be supportive and inclusive toward people with the illness, which has become one of the country’s most pressing health issues. Statistics suggest three out of four area residents know someone living with dementia.
“People affected by dementia continue to live in and be a part of our communities, and we can support them to stay connected in ways that are meaningful for them,” said Cyndi McLeod, support and education coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
The Dementia Friend campaign is the cornerstone of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, which runs until the end of January. Becoming a Dementia Friend is easy, says McLeod. The process starts by signing up at DementiaFriends.ca.
Mission residents can find out more by contacting McLeod at 604-859-3889 or cmcleod@alzheimerbc.org, or visit alzheimerbc.org.
