STANDING in front of nearly 200 people in a conference room, Raman Johal shared a childhood memory of her mother’s commitment to volunteering. Despite being a shy immigrant from India with limited English at the time, her mother believed in seva (“selfless service”) and would go door-to-door canvassing for donations to support important causes. Years later, Raman follows her mom’s example of giving back. A board member at the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and a partner at Gowling WLG, Raman works to address the challenges that families – especially in South Asian communities – face in caring for their family members living with dementia.
On February 8, Raman is taking the stage at the South Asian dementia forum, an event hosted by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and City of Surrey to raise dementia awareness in South Asian communities. Offered in both Punjabi and English, the forum features experts in the field to discuss dementia care and resources available for families, with Raman sharing her insights on the significance of early estate planning for families affected by dementia.
For Raman, breaking the stigma around dementia is key. In South Asian cultures, she has witnessed caregivers – especially women – shouldering the emotional and physical weight of caring for family members living with dementia. Seeking help or even acknowledging the diagnosis can still feel like a taboo. She believes that connecting this community to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and their resources in Punjabi can alleviate some of this burden. “Stigma is always huge in dementia, but it’s even more stigmatized within the South Asian Community,” says Raman. “Having professionals and caregivers attend this forum is important in terms of dispelling any myths and encouraging people to use the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s services.”
As an estates lawyer, Raman’s work often involves helping families with estate planning and navigating issues like power of attorney and legal rights. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead when a family member is showing signs of cognitive decline. “I assist clients in both planning and litigation,” says Raman. “The planning is much more cost effective and easier to deal with on the front end and I hope to encourage families to make informed decisions that best suit them.”
Raman’s efforts are supported by her firm, Gowling WLG, which is a proud sponsor of the South Asian dementia forum. She hopes the dementia forum will pave way for businesses in the community to get involved and support the cause. “Once you start including community leaders and sharing their involvement, they’ll promote how important this is,” says Raman. “Hopefully people affected by the disease will feel more comfortable to reach out to the resources that are available and we’d love to help.”
The South Asian dementia forum takes place on February 8 held at Surrey City Hall. Thanks to presenting sponsor Gowling WLG in helping make this event possible, families and caregivers will have access to valuable resources. To learn more and secure your seat, visit alzbc.org/SA-Forum25.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s South Asian Dementia Forum returns this winter!
The South Asian Dementia Forum returns to Surrey on February 8, an opportunity for people affected by dementia and health-care providers to learn about the impact of dementia on South Asian families.
In partnership with the City of Surrey, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is excited to invite people in the community to the South Asian Dementia Forum for its second year. Join us on Saturday, February 8 for an engaging and informative discussion on brain health and the impact of dementia on South Asian families.
This free event, supported by presenting sponsor Gowling WLG, will be held in both Punjabi and English. For seniors, families, health-care providers and community organizations.
Forum highlights
Guest speakers:
-
- Dr. Leena Jain: With over twenty years of experiences as a geriatric specialist, Dr. Jain will provide education on what is dementia and breakdown the stigma associated with the disease.
- Raman Johal: A seasoned estates lawyer and partner at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, Raman Johal will discuss the importance of advanced care planning.
- Dr. Heather Cooke: Research & Knowledge Mobilization Manager at the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Dr. Heather Cooke will cover the latest dementia research and dive into dementia within the South Asian community.
- Connect with local organizations dedicated to dementia support
- Door prizes
- Complimentary light refreshments
Event details
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. – noon (Punjabi), 1 – 3:30 p.m. (English)
Venue: City Hall Centre Stage, City Atrium (Lobby)
Location: 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey B.C.
Age: 19+
Registration
Online:
- To register for the session in Punjabi, click here.
- To register for the session in English, click here.
Phone: Call the City of Surrey at 604-501-5100
In-person: Register at any Surrey Parks, Recreations & Culture facility
More information
For more information, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link® South Asian Dementia Helpline at 1-833-647-5003 or email info.southasian@alzheimerbc.org.
