Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of awareness, early support, and compassion

Alzheimer's disease, which is another form of dementia, is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. This disease is not a normal part of aging and is irreversible, which profoundly impacts a person’s ability to understand, think, remember, and communicate.

Our long-term care residents afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are among the most vulnerable.

Learning more about dementia through community resources, as one example, can help someone identify the warning signs of dementia and get them an early diagnosis, leading to individuals getting the help and support they need earlier.

New Vista Society supports raising awareness about dementia and encourages understanding, compassion, and respect for people living with the illness, while working to reduce stigma in our community.

Below are some links offering additional information regarding Alzheimer’s:

• First Link® Dementia Helpline | Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
• Regional dementia programming | Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
• Dementia-friendly education | Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
• Webinars | Alzheimer Society of British Columbia