Isabel, a retired teacher, and Michael, a military veteran, live in Victoria, British Columbia. Happily married for more than 50 years, they first met at a mess hall in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, in 1961. Today, Isabel is living with Alzheimer’s disease

Take a moment to hear the stories of people living with dementia, caregivers and families. You'll quickly see that it's not an "old person's disease." And it doesn't signal the end of life. What is always constant is that there are still lives to be lived, dreams to pursue and people to love.

I have vascular dementia, and I’m still here. It’s been a few years since I got the diagnosis, but I am managing very well. It’s true that I can see changes in myself, but I still live in my own apartment and I volunteer at the Agape Table. I also attend my support group at the Alzheimer's Society. It’s been a lifesaver for me; the great leadership and deep friendships I’ve formed have helped to keep my spirit strong.

Peter was diagnosed with vascular dementia in March 2015. He shared his emotional story on our website and on social media to help promote World Alzheimer’s Day. He also took part in a radio fundraising appeal and gave an interview to a national newspaper.

Personal reflections from Jim Mann, person living with dementia, on his participation on the Dementia Resource Kit development team.

Lisa Raitt, Member of Parliament for Milton, and her husband Bruce Wood, diagnosed with dementia at 56, live with dementia, and during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, they’re sharing their story to help you understand.

Ron Robert, 81, lives in London, Ontario. Highly interested in politics, Ron worked as a journalist for two decades covering the British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan provincial legislatures before working the western desk for then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Ron was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015.

I have Alzheimer’s disease, and I’m still here. When I was diagnosed in 2012, I took a positive approach and said, “Okay, this is who I am; it’s part of my life.” I decided to maximize what I’ve got rather than be depressed about it. I also chose to be physically active because early in life I learned that physical activity raises my spirits. I got back on my bike, and I even ride in the winter – it’s exhilarating!

To mark Father’s Day, Carmine and his daughter Vanessa shared with us some of their favourite memories, their plans for the day and what being a dad means to Carmine.Carmine lives in South Australia with his wife Simone and is the proud father of two adult children, Josh and Vanessa.

Almost ten years ago, Carmine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This diagnosis was later updated to a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.

Vanessa tells us about her dad Carmine and how his calm nature helps to bring the family together.

Robin Barrett lives in Ottawa, Ontario, where she supports her husband, Keith, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

I have Alzheimer’s disease, and I’m still here. I attend a support group at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba for people with dementia. We share ideas and relate to each other beautifully by talking about people’s interests. When I look around the room, it doesn’t seem like anyone has dementia because we are all just friends talking.

My father has Alzheimer’s disease, and I’m still here. This was not something I expected to go through at age 26. It seems like just a few days ago I was a little girl and he was taking care of me. Now, I am taking care of him. The role reversal started the day we got the diagnosis.  Taking on a mature role like this is also something I never imagined would happen.

Brenda Hounam who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease discusses her experiences working as part of the Dementia Diagnosis Kit development team.