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Here’s what you can do to mark World Alzheimer’s Month in New West

What's happening Around Town
Alzheimer's
This January, residents of the Tri-Cities are invited to take part in Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a national campaign focused on changing the public’s perceptions of what it means to live with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is inviting New West residents to help mark World Alzheimer’s Month.

The society, which is working towards a vision of a province where people living with dementia are welcomed, supported and included, believes September is a time to push the global conversation about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to the forefront. September is World Alzheimer’s Month.

According to the society, it’s estimated about 70,000 British Columbians are currently living with some form of dementia.

New Westminster residents who are affected by dementia are invited to attend a two-part online discussion series, Demystifying Advocacy, that’s taking place on Sept. 28 and 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. The free series, which is moderated by Alzheimer Society of B.C. CEO Maria Howard, gives residents an opportunity to hear from dementia advocates as they share their stories and have frank conversations about what it takes to make change happen.

Part 1 – Changing Your Situation – will explore advocating for yourself and members of your family, while Part 2 – Changing the System – will look at how advocates raise their voices to help change policy and practice. People can register or join in on the day at www.alzheimer.ca.

“Building a dementia-friendly province would be impossible without the tireless efforts of dementia advocates,” Howard said in a news release. “We want to celebrate their leadership and give people a chance to learn from them.”

Until Sept. 30, British Columbians can also sign up for the Climb for Alzheimer’s hiking challenge and take to local hiking trails to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

“By taking part in the Climb for Alzheimer’s, you’ll be supporting thousands of British Columbians on the dementia journey – and helping ensure that no one has to climb that mountain alone,” Howard said.

More information about Climb for Alzheimer’s is found at www.climbforalzheimers.ca.