As many as 50 per cent of Canadians with dementia are not diagnosed early enough.
Jillian Armit, support and education coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for Abbotsford/Mission, said many local residents living with dementia are losing precious time when care and support can make a difference in their quality of life. An early diagnosis can also avert unnecessary crises.
More than 70,000 British Columbians already live with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia; a number that is set to double within the next 25 years. Earlier diagnosis also opens the door to important local information, resources and support through the society, which helps people with dementia focus on their abilities to remain independent in their homes and communities longer.
A local support and information group serves as a forum for sharing practical tips and strategies for coping with the disease. For more information about local meetings, call the Abbotsford Resource Centre at 604-859-3889.
To learn how to spot the signs of dementia, understand the benefits of a diagnosis and prepare for a doctor’s visit, go to earlydiagnosis.ca.