‘I live with dementia’ is the theme for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s January campaign.

The goal is to put a spotlight on the humanity that is still a part of every person living with dementia.

The campaign showcases the unique and diverse stories of individuals from across the country living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. With the aim to change attitudes toward the disease and erase the stigma.

Kathy Bellemare hopes everyone can take the time to understand the signs of dementia.

“All of us can benefit from just trying to understand what the disease is and then even more importantly what we can do about Alzheimer."

As the population lives longer the odds are that more and more people will live with the disease. Today, more than 22,500 Manitobans have dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

"Whether it can be helping families who have a family member that’s dealing with Alzheimer or whether it is getting involved through fundraising or making a donation to help for the programs that will support families that are affected with the disease,” says Bellemare.

People are encouraged to visit the campaign’s dedicated website to read and watch stories of people getting on with their lives in spite of dementia.

Alzheimer.mb.ca also shares tips on how to help end stigma, challenges attitudes towards the disease and provides other useful resources.

Bellemare wants people to know they are not alone. She encourages people who think they see signs to contact the society, talk with friends with medical knowledge, and friends who dealt with the disease.