Imagine discovering you have Alzheimer’s disease in your 40s—a diagnosis that flips your world upside down. This is the stark reality for Mark Breslaw, a South Surrey father, whose story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. In 2023, Mark, then 47, began noticing unsettling changes: forgotten names, once-simple tasks becoming inexplicably challenging, and even getting lost on his way home from work. With a demanding job as a senior director at a leading digital game developer and a young son at home, he initially brushed it off as stress. But here’s where it gets controversial—could we be missing early signs of dementia in younger individuals because we assume it’s just ‘stress’?
‘I thought it was burnout,’ Mark recalls. ‘But when I got lost a second time, I knew I couldn’t ignore it anymore.’ His journey led him to a doctor’s office, and eventually, to a diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in early 2025. January, being Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, serves as a poignant reminder of stories like Mark’s, shared by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to spark conversations about dementia.
Mark’s experience highlights a critical gap: the lack of awareness about dementia in younger individuals. ‘I felt like I was in an information void for months,’ he admits. But a call to the First Link Dementia Helpline changed everything. ‘They didn’t dismiss me—they welcomed me, even without a formal diagnosis. It was the first time I felt validated.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: Are we doing enough to support younger individuals who might be experiencing early signs of dementia?
After stepping away from his high-pressure role at Electronic Arts, Mark found a new purpose. Attending a webinar featuring others with younger-onset dementia opened his eyes to advocacy. ‘I realized I could still contribute,’ he says. ‘Maybe I can’t lead in the same way, but I can educate, advocate, and fight the stigma.’ He joined the Lived Experience Partner Program, using his story to inspire others.
But here’s the part most people miss—living with a diagnosis isn’t just about acceptance; it’s about finding a balance. ‘I haven’t mastered acceptance,’ Mark admits. ‘It’s an ongoing process. But now, I can spend quality time with my family—attending my son’s school events, sharing meals with my adult children, and even donating blood together.’ His positivity isn’t just a personal coping mechanism; it’s a gift to everyone around him, especially the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Mark’s story challenges us to rethink our assumptions about dementia. Is it possible we’re overlooking younger individuals because we associate dementia solely with the elderly? His journey invites us to ask tough questions and seek answers. If you or someone you know is grappling with similar concerns, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. offers support through their First Link Dementia Helpline. Available in multiple languages, it’s a lifeline for those navigating this complex diagnosis.
To learn more about Mark’s story and the unique journeys of others affected by dementia, join the virtual panel discussions hosted by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. this January. Let’s start the conversation—because awareness is the first step toward understanding and support. What’s your take? Do you think we’re doing enough to recognize and address younger-onset dementia? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
