A health epidemic is coming, and Jim Mann is determined to do something about it.

As a board member with the B.C. Alzheimer Society, Mann said there will be 177,000 people living with dementia in the province by 2038.

B次元官网网址淲e need a comprehensive, funded dementia action plan to avert this crisis and to prepare B.C. for the rising tide of dementia,B次元官网网址� Mann said before addressing a crowd of about 50 people at Monterey Recreation Centre in Oak Bay.

Mann, 63, who was diagnosed with AlzheimerB次元官网网址檚 at 58, is touring the province to promote a five-point action plan in the run-up to the provincial election.

The provinceB次元官网网址檚 current dementia plan expires in 2014, and has shown success, particularly with its First Link diagnosis and referral program, Mann said.

The society proposes providing financial incentives for family caregivers, expanded home support programs and policies to promote early diagnosis.

Family caregivers provide an estimated 118 million unpaid hours of care every year to people with dementia and other health problems.

A status quo approach to dementia in B.C. will lead to a projected economic burden of more than $130 billion within 30 years, Mann said.

B次元官网网址淒ementia care is different than other types of care,B次元官网网址� he said, having watched his mother go through the ordeal.

Another misconception is that Alzheimer is a disease affecting only the elderly.

B次元官网网址淚 was 58,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚f youB次元官网网址檙e still at a working age and you lose two family incomes, thatB次元官网网址檚 devastating.B次元官网网址�

To learn more, visit alzheimerbc.org or call 1-800-667-3742.