Imagine discovering you have Alzheimer’s 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 disease. 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 executive at a leading digital game developer and a young son at home, he initially brushed it off as stress. But when the confusion persisted, he knew something was deeply wrong. ‘I thought it was just the pressure of work and family,’ he recalls. ‘But after getting lost again, I finally decided to see my doctor.’
January marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to spark conversations about dementia and its impact on individuals and families. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is highlighting stories like Mark’s, who lives in South Surrey with his wife, Shonna, and their youngest son, Michael. Mark’s journey began with cognitive assessments in February 2024, followed by months of tests that pointed to 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,’ he admits. ‘But their warmth and openness were a lifeline. They didn’t dismiss me—they validated my concerns when I felt like I was drowning in uncertainty.’
In early 2025, a cerebral spinal fluid test confirmed the diagnosis: younger-onset Alzheimer’s. While the news was devastating, Mark found a strange sense of relief. ‘Finally, I could have honest, fact-based conversations with my family and friends about what I was going through,’ he explains. The diagnosis forced him to step away from his role as Senior Director of Human Resources at Electronic Arts, but it also opened his eyes to new possibilities. Attending a webinar featuring others living with younger-onset dementia, Mark realized he could still contribute in meaningful ways. ‘I’ve always loved fostering leadership growth,’ he says. ‘Now, I’m exploring how I can educate, advocate, and continue doing what I love.’
Mark soon joined the Lived Experience Partner Program, using his voice to fight stigma and raise awareness. His journey is far from easy—‘I haven’t mastered acceptance,’ he admits—but it’s filled with moments of joy and connection. He now spends more quality time with his family, attending school events with his youngest son and sharing meals and movies with his adult children. ‘It’s about finding a balance between realism and positivity,’ he reflects.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Mark’s resilience is inspiring, his story also raises questions about societal support for younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Are workplaces prepared to accommodate employees facing cognitive decline? How can we better fund research and resources for this underserved population? Mark’s drive to challenge stigma is a gift, not just to the Alzheimer Society of B.C., but to anyone grappling with dementia. His message is clear: ‘We need to talk about this—openly, honestly, and without shame.’
And this is the part most people miss: Younger-onset Alzheimer’s isn’t just a ‘senior’s disease.’ It affects individuals in the prime of their careers and family lives, forcing them to reimagine their futures. What would you do if faced with this diagnosis? How can we, as a community, better support those like Mark? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.
To learn more about Mark’s story, visit his full story here. If you or someone you know is struggling with dementia, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link Dementia Helpline is here to help. Call 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.)
Join the conversation and take part in virtual panel discussions:
- We can be your guide: Get to know the Alzheimer Society of B.C. on Jan. 14, 2 p.m. PST Register here.
- Lived experience: What you should know about dementia on Jan. 28, 2 p.m. PST Register here.
