Facing a dementia diagnosis in the prime of life
Published 2:51 pm Friday, April 3, 2026
Father in his 40s honoured at walk for dementia on May 31
For Mark Breslaw, the first warning signs of dementia were subtle: forgetting and mixing up people’s names – things he could easily attribute to the demands of raising a young family and his fast-paced job as senior human resources director with Electronic Arts. But when he got lost driving home from work three separate times within a two-month period, he knew something was wrong.
Breslaw is nothing short of inspiring. Diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2025, the now 49-year-old father of three chose to face this new reality head on. He is keen to share his story, fight stigma and make a difference in the lives of others affected by dementia.
“My story isn’t my own anymore,” he says. “It belongs to everyone who carries their own story. It’s humbling and rewarding to share it and have people respond with gratitude for putting it out there and enabling them to take something positive away from it.”
Breslaw and his family are being honoured at the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon’s largest fundraiser, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, presented by Go Auto, in White Rock on Sunday, May 31.
By sharing their stories, honourees put a face and voice to dementia, breaking down stigma and inspiring change. You can walk in honour of your community’s honouree or in support of someone in your life who has been affected by dementia. Funds raised help the organization deliver vital programs and services and enable critical research to change the future of the disease.
Calling the organization’s First Link® Dementia Helpline marked a major turning point during a period of uncertainty for Breslaw.
“The person on the other end of that line told me something I will never forget: ‘It doesn’t matter that you don’t have a diagnosis. You belong here.’”
The call and follow-up changed everything, Breslaw says. He finally felt less alone.
“Most people in B.C. know someone affected by dementia, but not everyone knows how to get help,” says Michael Hladun, Senior Vice President for Go Auto. “That’s why Go Auto is thrilled to continue as presenting sponsor for the Walk. We want to connect more families facing a diagnosis with the quality dementia education and support programs they need – and we want everyone to join us. Anyone can make a difference by walking with us.”
Read Breslaw’s story and learn how to join a Walk near you.
If you are affected by dementia, the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon can help. Call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 or visit alzheimerbc.org.