“I miss Gramp everyday. He was an amazing grandfather who was robbed of the opportunity to be an amazing great grandfather to my kids.”
Tyler Belyea, an IG advisor from Fredericton, New Brunswick, has a deep understanding of how Alzheimer's disease can impact an individual and a family.
“In June 2018, I joined the board of the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick after they reached out looking for someone with a background in finance to join their team. A few months after I joined the board, my own grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.”
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be a scary, confusing and upsetting time for the individual and their family members. That’s when the Alzheimer’s Society steps in to let them know that they are not alone.
As of January 1, 2025, the Alzheimer Society of Canada estimated that over 770,000 people in Canada are living with dementia, and every day, more than 414 Canadians develop dementia.
However, there is still no cure for most types of dementia worldwide and in Canada.
Why IG Wealth Management supports the Alzheimer Society
While we may be familiar with the emotional and physical challenges associated with dementia, Canadians are less aware of their financial implications. Costs for people living with dementia are estimated to be 5.5 times greater than for those who have not been diagnosed with the condition. That increased cost can significantly impact a family’s financial plan and future.
IG Wealth Management wants to help close this gap by supporting the Alzheimer Society and helping Canadians navigate the financial journey of living with an unexpected cognitive decline.
“Because of my involvement on the board of the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick, I was able to help my family navigate the situation the best I could; passing on resources, connecting them with the Society and continuing to learn with them. I spent six years on the board, and my grandfather passed a few months before my term ended. I believe this was my journey. I believe there was a reason I was asked to get involved in this cause.”
Be a part of change: Register to walk on May 24 and 25
Walk on May 24 or 25 to support a loved one that lives with the condition or walk in memory of a loved one you hold dear. Walk to raise awareness of dementia and to help Canadians prepare for the emotional, physical and financial implications of living with this neurological condition.
“I will never forget the part my grandfather played in my life, and I will continue raising awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer's disease in his honour. The annual IG Walk for Alzheimer’s is a great place to start! It raises funds to put on crucial programs for families impacted by dementia and raises awareness about the journey.”
Most importantly, Tyler encourages everyone to walk this May, so Canadians affected by dementia know they are not alone in their journey:
“For the month of May, let’s do our part. Let's help create a world where the next generation lives free of Alzheimer's and dementia.”
Visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca to register and for your local Walk details.
