Prince George will join 23 communities Sunday "walking for memories" in an effort to raise money and understanding about dementia.
The event is part of January's designation as National Alzheimer Awareness Month.
Leanne Jones, a coordinator for the local chapter of the Alzheimer Society of B.C., said people need to know what the early warning signs are for Alzheimer's.
"That's a really important thing for people to know," she said. "Memory loss is the most common warning sign and other signs that are common include impaired judgment and reasoning and thinking as well as significant changes in personality and behaviour that are out of character for the individual."
Each year, the organization highlights a local family who uses its services and can share their experience with the disease. This year, it's Jim and Lou Ellerton, who use humour and patience to deal with his diagnosis.
"The walk is a great opportunity to help families likes ours to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and to help people understand there is a lot of life to live," said Jim Ellerton in a release.
Jones said they will be a part of Sunday's lineup of speakers at the event.
"They're a pretty dynamic couple who really speak freely about Jim's diagnosis and do a lot of great work in the community to raise awareness about Alzheimer's," Jones said.
According to the society, an estimated 39 per cent of British Columbians know someone with dementia.
Registration for the Prince George Walk starts at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at The Northern Sport Centre, with the walk at 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, to register, or donate visit www.walkformemories.com.
