Imagine discovering you have Alzheimer’s disease in your 40s—a diagnosis that flips your world upside down. This is the reality for Mark Breslaw, a South Surrey father, whose story sheds light on the often-overlooked struggle of younger-onset Alzheimer’s. 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—how many of us would dismiss such symptoms as mere exhaustion? Mark did, until a second episode of getting lost prompted him to seek medical advice.
January, being Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, serves as a crucial reminder to have open conversations about dementia. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is highlighting stories like Mark’s, who lives with his wife Shonna and their youngest son Michael in South Surrey. After cognitive assessments in February 2024 and months of testing, Mark’s medical team suspected Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia. Desperate for answers, he reached out to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link Dementia Helpline. ‘I had no idea what to expect,’ Mark recalls. ‘But their warmth and willingness to help, even without a formal diagnosis, was the first glimmer of hope after months of uncertainty.’
A cerebral spinal fluid test confirmed his diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s in early 2025—a moment Mark describes as both devastating and liberating. ‘Finally, I could have honest, fact-based conversations with my family and friends about what I was going through,’ he shares. This clarity, however, came with tough decisions, including stepping away from his high-profile role at Electronic Arts.
But this is the part most people miss—Mark’s story isn’t just about loss; it’s about reinvention. Attending a webinar featuring others with younger-onset dementia, he realized he could still contribute in meaningful ways. ‘I thought, maybe I can educate, advocate, and continue doing what I love in a different capacity,’ he explains. This epiphany led him to join the Lived Experience Partner Program, where he uses his voice to fight stigma and raise awareness.
Mark’s journey is a delicate balance of realism and optimism. ‘Acceptance is a work in progress,’ he admits. Yet, he finds joy in spending mindful time with his family—attending school events with his youngest, sharing meals and movies with his adult children, and even donating blood together. His positive outlook isn’t just a personal asset; it’s a gift to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and anyone facing dementia.
But here’s the bold question: Are we doing enough to support younger individuals with Alzheimer’s, or do we still see it as an ‘older person’s disease’? Mark’s story challenges us to rethink our assumptions. If you’re inspired or have questions, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link Dementia Helpline is available for support (toll-free in B.C.):
- English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
You can also join virtual panel discussions to learn more about the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and the experiences of those affected by dementia:
- We can be your guide: Get to know the Alzheimer Society of B.C. on Jan. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PST
- Lived experience: What you should know about dementia on Jan. 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PST.
Read Mark’s full story and join the conversation. Let’s break the stigma together. What’s your take on how we can better support younger individuals with Alzheimer’s? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
