February 2026 - The new CLBDI Reviews series, upcoming community events, the next CLBDI art show, the "Cultivating Dignity: Human-Centred Justice for People with Dementia" symposium, and more...

Hello, Lewy Warriors!

March is here! Can you believe it? We hope you’ve had a wonderful February and are keeping well. We’re so excited for the spring and all the things we’ve got cooking! We’ve got a few updates for you, with more on the way, so let’s dive right in to it.

Firstly, February was a month of quiet preparation for us. We’re working behind the scenes to bring some exciting things your way in the spring and summer. It also saw the launch of our new book/movie review series. Every month, someone from CLBDI will be reviewing a piece of LBD-related literature or film and sharing our thoughts. Our first review is on Mary Lou Falcone’s memoir, “I Didn't See It Coming: Scenes Of Love, Loss, And Lewy Body Dementia”, and was written by our founder Carol! 

You can read her review below:

"I read her book (actually, I devoured it) in about two sittings. I simply couldn’t put it down! The structure is unusual, but it’s deeply engaging and keeps the reader invested throughout. Much of Mary Lou’s journey with Lewy Body Dementia, alongside her beloved late husband Nicky Zann, closely mirrored my own experience with Bob. I found her writing profoundly relatable, as it affirmed so many aspects of my husband’s journey. This is a meaningful read before, during, and after an LBD journey. I deeply admire and respect her compassion, courage, resilience, and tenacity (as well as her ability to think outside the box). I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand what it is like to be impacted by LBD, and how care partners, caregivers, and communities cope. It would also be a valuable addition to medical libraries and great for medical professionals.”

February also saw the completion of more of Carol’s paintings in preparation for the next CLBDI art show. She is getting close to finishing her new series and we are going to begin planning to bring this event to life very soon. If you’re an artist in the region who would like to lend some pieces to help raise funds for LBD research and be a part of the show, reach out to us via DM or email ([email protected]).

We’re also in the beginning stages of planning multiple events for the spring and summer. We’ve got two presentations in the works (more on those soon), our new and improved CLBDI  Loonie Loops walk (which will hopefully happen across multiple cities in collaboration with some awesome local organizations and businesses), and another spring giveaway! If you’re an organization or group in the Waterloo Region (or beyond) who would like to connect with us regarding a presentation, collaboration, or fundraising, send us an email or contact us via DM on social media. We would love to hear from you and connect. This month will also mark the return of CLBDI Talks (finally) and another CLBDI Book Review.  

Lastly, we wanted to let everyone know of an upcoming symposium on dementia and justice, “Cultivating Dignity: Human-Centred Justice for People with Dementia”, presented by Dementia Justice Canada (https://www.dementiajustice.ca). This free online symposium is happening on Thursday, March 26th, and is open to anyone concerned with dignity, justice, and care for people with dementia. It is not just for people with a specialized background. All are welcome.

Some more information from their Eventbrite page:

"As society faces an increasing prevalence of dementia, we are compelled to ask: How do we want to grow old? This one-day online symposium, Cultivating Dignity, will bring together medical and legal scholars, advocates, caregivers, and the public to explore how the law, ethics of care and innovative models like care farms can uphold dignity, personhood and justice in dementia—not just for today’s seniors, but for future generations who may one day become some of our most vulnerable.​

The aim is to inspire hope by reimagining ageing—not as a decline to be feared but as a stage of life where dignity, ethical care and human-centred justice are cultivated and preserved for all of us in old age."

This event features a wide variety of speakers covering topics like natural care settings, indigenous perspectives on dementia care, dementia at the United Nations, human dignity and palliative care, a keynote address from Lynn Casteel Harper, author of "On Vanishing: Mortality, Dementia, and What It Means to Disappear", and more. If you would like to register or learn more about the event, click the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cultivating-dignity-human-centred-justice-for-people-with-dementia-tickets-1981205436794?aff=oddtdtcreator#organizer-card

That’s all from us for this month. We hope you have a wonderful March. Keep checking our Facebook page and Instagram for updates on upcoming events and announcements.

Best,
Joe