January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

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More than 85,000 British Columbians are living with Alzheimer’s disease and each of their stories is unique. Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s – either for yourself, or for a loved one – is a life-changing event and the journey with the disease can feel overwhelming and disorienting.

If you have questions about Alzheimer’s or other dementias a great first step is contacting the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada’s First Link Dementia Hotline. The hotline is open Monday to Friday and available in six languages.

They can help with:

  • General information about dementia.
  • Getting the diagnosis.
  • Progression of the disease, including its effect on communication and behaviour.
  • Personal planning.
  • Maintaining independence.
  • Providing care and support.
  • Resources available in your community, including support groups and upcoming education workshops.
  • Information about making your organization or community dementia friendly.

You can reach the helpline at the following numbers:

  • English:1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
  • Cantonese and Mandarin:1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu:1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

You can read more about the hotline on the Alzheimer’s Society website here:
https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/find-support-bc/first-link-dementia-helpline