Shelly Banks served as SEIU-West Vice President from 2008-2015. Her invaluable and outstanding contributions have made a significant and lasting impact on members and our union.
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month in Canada and this year, the Alzheimer Society Canada kicked off the second year of their awareness campaign—Yes. I live with dementia. Let me help you understand— to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see dementia differently.
72% of all Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. This is because women live longer than men so there are more of them than men. Who are these women? They’re our mothers, wives, sisters, grandmothers, or friends – maybe even you.
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers for people with dementia to live fully with dignity and respect. When a person is diagnosed with dementia, they need the support of family and friends more than ever.
Do you think memory loss is the only warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias? That’s what most people believe but there are nine other signs which are often misunderstood or ignored. Recognizing the signs as soon as possible is critical for getting the treatment and support you need to live well with the disease and start planning for the future.
Check out the warning signs below. 
For more useful information and resources to help you learn more and take action to end dementia stigma, check out ilivewithdementia.ca.
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