Arabella Bengson starts each day in her Comox Valley “Eden” by greeting the sunrise through a practice of Chi-Kung (or Chi-Gong) in her indoor garden room.
“Chi Kung focuses on your breathing,” Arabella says. “There is a lot of visualization and easy movements for health and healing. I consider this my first daily gift from the Universe, and I look for presents throughout my day from that first gift of the sunrise.”
However, reaching this outlook took time and patience – a journey that started in 2015, when she was first diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury soon after losing her husband. The following year, after experiencing forgetfulness, difficulties expressing herself in speech and writing, and losing much of her brain’s executive functions, Arabella was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, an opportunity for people to have conversations about dementia. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is recognizing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month by sharing the experiences of people like Arabella Bengson, who has found meaning, connection and joy after a dementia diagnosis.
Since turning to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for guidance, she has become an advocate and valued partner, a journey started by attending in-person Minds in Motion® sessions, a fitness and social program for people living with any form of early-stage dementia.
Arabella’s journey of hope continues as she plans her next travel adventure, what summer will look like in her garden and as she continues to research how to live well with dementia.
“Serenity and simple joys are more precious to us now than they were before,” she says. “And such is the blessing I wish upon you all.”
Take part
In January, caregivers and people living with dementia will explore this year’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month theme by sharing their unique journeys living with the disease in two virtual panel discussions. Participants will learn how the Alzheimer Society of B.C. listened to families' needs and guided them to programs, resources and education that were right for them.
- Lived experience: Different roadmaps for dementia on Jan. 15 from 2 to 30 p.m. PT
- Lived experience: Different roadmaps for caregiving on Jan. 22 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PT.
Find support
If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s First Link® Dementia Helpline for information and support (toll-free in B.C. only):
- 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.)