Dear editor,
Nova Scotia's Health Minister Leo Glavine recently announced that his province will develop a strategy to prepare for a quickly growing concern — dementia.
As a person living with dementia (I was diagnosed in 2008 at age 57), I am encouraged by Nova Scotia's news.
I am also pleased by the attention the disease is getting here in B.C.
Premier Clark's recent comments about her personal connection to dementia have started a valuable discussion in our province. The premier's support is particularly critical as provincial and territorial premiers prepare to discuss dementia at the Council of the Federation meetings this August.
The need for a comprehensive, funded dementia plan, which supports people with dementia and their families, is urgent.
Please join me in spreading awareness about the need for B.C.'s own dementia plan.
Jim Mann
Editor's note: Jim Mann is a volunteer board member for the
Alzheimer Society of B.C.