Alzheimer Society of B.C. hosts second South Asian Dementia Forum in partnership with City of Surrey

On February 8, 2025, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. will be partnering with the City of Surrey to host the second annual South Asian Dementia Forum, offering a vital opportunity for education, awareness and support to family members affected by dementia in the South Asian community.

Joti Sandhu, Support and Education Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of B.C., is already looking forward to the event following the success of last year's inaugural forum. "We had a full house and I was overwhelmed by the positive response from the South Asian community, particularly the many caregivers and experts who came together to advocate for dementia awareness," says Joti. "It’s clear that there is a need for more education and resources to address the stigma surrounding dementia, particularly within the South Asian community."

The upcoming forum will take place at City Hall Centre Stage in Surrey, with two distinct sessions – one in Punjabi from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and the other in English from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The free event, supported by presenting sponsor Gowling WLG, is open to seniors, families, healthcare providers and community organizations. This year’s forum will focus on brain health and how dementia affects South Asian families, with guest speakers offering expert insights on a range of important topics.

"The City of Surrey is proud to partner with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for the second South Asian Dementia Forum,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “This event represents a crucial step towards fostering understanding and awareness around dementia within our diverse community. By providing access to vital resources and information, this event will empower families to navigate the challenges of this disease together. Let us stand united in the fight against stigma and promote ongoing conversations about brain health for all."

Dr. Leena Jain, a geriatric specialist with over twenty years of experience, will address the basics of dementia, providing education on the disease and breaking down the stigma often associated with it. Attendees will hear from Dr. Heather Cooke – Manager, Research & Knowledge Mobilization at the Alzheimer Society of B.C. – touch on the latest research on dementia.

Raman Johal, an estates lawyer and partner at Gowling WLG, will discuss the importance of advanced care planning, a crucial aspect for families navigating the complexities of dementia. "Estate planning is often overlooked until it’s too late," explains Johal. "When dementia is involved, it’s essential to have these conversations early to ensure that family members can still make decisions with clarity. Planning ahead can save families a lot of stress and expense down the road."

The event will also provide attendees with the opportunity to connect with local organizations dedicated to dementia support. Joti emphasizes the need for more language resources in communities across the Lower Mainland. "In our community, there are multiple languages spoken – Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and many more," she explains. "Providing translation and interpretation services can ensure that people receive the same quality of care and support as English speakers."

For Joti, the forum represents more than just an event; it’s a movement toward building long-term support systems for South Asian families. "Dementia will only continue to grow as an issue in our community," she says. "Through forums like these, we can start important conversations, provide education, and offer resources that can help families cope with an early diagnosis."

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is excited to partner with the City of Surrey and focus on discussions around dementia awareness. "We hope to grow this forum every year, increasing access to resources and support," adds Joti. "It’s crucial that families know they are not alone in this journey."

For more information or to register for the forum, visit alzbc.org/SA-Forum25.