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Alzheimer Society looks for people to become friends

NANAIMO – Campaign in January invites people to become friends with those living with dementia.

People are being encouraged to learn more about dementia and support those with the disease during Alzheimer’s Awareness month this January.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is inviting people to #BecomeAFriend. It's a commitment to learning about the dementia because more and more people in our communities are living it, according to Jane Hope, the society’s support and education coordinator for North Central Island, who says there are 70,000 people in B.C. with the disease and there will be more awareness and less stigma the more people learn about it.

People with dementia are often isolated with friends and family falling away, said Hope, who believes when people have an understanding of something they are not afraid anymore.

A dementia friend means committing to learn four or five things about the disease. To learn more, please visit dementiafriends.ca. There will be a Getting to Know Dementia session Wednesday (Jan. 27) for caregivers and those living with the disease. People are asked to pre-register by calling 250-734-4170.

This year’s Walk for Alzheimer’s will happen May 1 instead of January, to line up with national events.