Greater Sudbury Declares January as Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Article content The Alzheimer Society Sudbury–Manitoulin North Bay and Districts extended its thanks to the city and Deputy Mayor Al Sizer for issuing the proclamation and demonstrating leadership in raising awareness. Appreciation was also extended to MP Viviane Lapointe, MPP Jamie West and councillors Pauline Fortin, Michel Brabant and Mike Parent for attending and standing in solidarity with the dementia community. “Moments like this remind people living with dementia, their families and care partners that they are not alone,” Shannon Ketchabaw, executive director of the Alzheimer Society Sudbury–Manitoulin North Bay and Districts, said in a press release. “By speaking openly about dementia, we can reduce stigma, encourage earlier access to support, and build more inclusive communities.” Article content The Alzheimer Society said the city’s proclamation aligns with its national Forget No One campaign, which highlights how silence and stigma prevent people from seeking help. “Dementia remains a growing concern for Canadians, yet many avoid conversations about it. Nearly half of Canadians say they wouldn’t know where to turn if they noticed symptoms, and one in four would rather not know if they had dementia. The Forget No One campaign encourages Canadians to talk openly about dementia, share stories, and seek information so people can access support sooner and feel less alone.” Canadians are invited on Jan. 28 to unite to Forget No One by wearing a Forget Me Not pin, sharing a photo and using #ForgetNoOne to stand against stigma. Canadians can find their local Alzheimer Society at alzheimer.ca, and local programs and services are available through the Alzheimer Society Sudbury–Manitoulin North Bay and Districts at www.alzheimersudbury.ca.