To address the issue, the Surrey Forum on Brain Health co-hosted by the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon will have two public forums at Surrey City Hall on Sept. 19.

A morning session, presented in Punjabi will be from 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. An afternoon session from 1:00–3:30 p.m will be presented in English.

Culturally informed approaches to dementia

According to the 2021 census, more than one quarter of Canada’s population is a visible minority. Furthermore, the same census indicates that Vancouver’s South Asian population comprises 25 percent of all visible minorities. Behind these statistics is the recognition of the need for more culturally informed approaches to deal with mental conditions such as dementia.

According to Simranjit Kaur, Program Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon, who leads a program that aims to help people with dementia, “people as early as 30 can be affected with dementia.”

“There is an expectation that people who show dementia symptoms as they get older are simply following a natural course and pattern,” she adds.

Kaur says that relatives are best at detecting symptoms of dementia. If a family member puts their clothes in the refrigerator instead of the drawer once, that can be overlooked as a small mistake. But if this becomes a pattern, it is important to reassess the situation.

When dementia affects a family member, it raises a lot of questions. One might wonder how other people might view the affected person, how they will be able to take care of themselves or what their chances for getting dementia might be.

As dementia progresses, people can forget names and important memories such as those from childhood. This means that a family member who used to be a caregiver must now be cared for, stressful for the caregiver and the person affected by dementia. The affected person loses their sense of agency, and the emotional burden and responsibilities are put on the caregiver.

“Dementia is degenerative.” says Kaur “This means that symptoms progress over time.”

Slowing down dementia

This does not mean that dementia cannot be slowed down or that those affected cannot live fulfilling lives. As with all life changes, adaptation is important. Socialization as well as reading and good nutrition are both good for the brain and can also slow the onset of dementia.

“It is important that people stay informed on dementia as this is a way that people can not only break stigma but also recognize when it is time to reach out for help,” says Kaur.

Her programs assist South Asian elders no matter what stage of dementia they might find themselves in. There is an exercise component as well as a social one for elders which facilitates social connections. Music also plays an important role as it helps to restore memories which might otherwise be lost.

“Because of the stigma surrounding dementia, people are at first hesitant at the social portion in the support program but end up enjoying it later on as much as the exercise part,” says Kaur.

“The support program is also held in Punjabi and other South Asian languages to help bridge any language barriers and to facilitate a stronger connection to those affected by dementia. There are also help lines available in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu,” she says, adding “that in the Dementia Forum at Surrey, there are experts and people who dedicate their lives in dealing with these topics.”

This event is free, but registration is encouraged.

For more information visit: www.surrey.ca/news-events/events/south-asian-forum-brain-health