Many 亚洲天堂 Lake residents are this month making one of their most important New Year's resolutions ever.

They're becoming Dementia Friends, committing to learning a little bit about dementia so they can be supportive and inclusive toward people with the illness, which has become one of the country's most pressing health issues. Statistics suggest three out of four area residents know someone living with dementia.

"People affected by dementia continue to live in and be a part of our communities, and we can support them to stay connected in ways that are meaningful for them," says Leanne Ranes, Support & Education Coordinator for the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. for 亚洲天堂 Lake and the North Interior & Skeena.

"Through individual actions we can raise awareness of dementia and reduce the stigma attached to it."

The Dementia Friend campaign is the cornerstone of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, which runs until the end of January.

Becoming a Dementia Friend is easy, says Ranes. The process starts by signing up at DementiaFriends.ca.

亚洲天堂 Lake residents can find out about upcoming education sessions by contacting Leanne Ranes at 250-564-7533 (toll-free 1-866-564-7533) or lranes@alzheimerbc.org, and visiting www.alzheimerbc.org.