Jerry Isenor was diagnosed with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease in 2019. Her husband, Lyle, suspects it began at least two years before that. After noticing changes in Jerry鈥檚 memory, they spoke with their GP who told them to hold off on further testing.
鈥淭he doc said if we did psychological tests right then, with her IQ she'd still come out as above average,鈥� Lyle says.
January is Alzheimer鈥檚 Awareness Month, an opportunity for people to have conversations about dementia. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is recognizing Alzheimer鈥檚 Awareness Month by sharing the experiences of people like Jerry and Lyle Isenor, who have found meaning, connection and joy after a dementia diagnosis.
A carpenter-turned-businessman, Lyle notes that being married to one of the top accountants in the city meant he never had to deal with banking 鈥� until Jerry鈥檚 disease progressed and he had to take over management of their finances.
鈥淪he always looked after everything,鈥� Lyle says. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 even know how to log into online banking.鈥�
Taking on different household roles was just one of many new things Lyle and Jerry had to learn, so Lyle reached out to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for support. Staff on the First Link庐 Dementia Helpline answered his questions and guided him to the support he needed in his community.
鈥淚 was desperate. I called the Helpline and spent probably 40 minutes on the phone,鈥� Lyle says. 鈥淚t was lifesaving.鈥�
Patience is the key, according to Lyle. While some of Jerry鈥檚 behaviour may be challenging, it鈥檚 imperative to remember that it鈥檚 the disease, not the person.
鈥淵ou know they are going to say ****. Get over it,鈥� Lyle says. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e still the magnificent person that they always were.鈥�
Take part
In January, caregivers and people living with dementia will explore this year鈥檚 Alzheimer鈥檚 Awareness Month theme by sharing their unique journeys living with the disease in two virtual panel discussions. Participants will learn how the Alzheimer Society of B.C. listened to needs and guided families to programs, resources and education that were right for them.
- Lived experience: Different roadmaps for dementia on Jan. 15 from 2 to 30 p.m. PT
- Lived experience: Different roadmaps for caregiving on Jan. 22 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PT.
Find support
If you have questions about Alzheimer鈥檚 disease or other dementias, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s First Link庐 Dementia Helpline for information and support (toll-free in B.C. only):
- English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)