Mario Gregorio from Burnaby has set an example by turning his dementia diagnosis into an opportunity to help others.

When Mario Gregorio was diagnosed with dementia in 2008, he initially feared it meant his life was coming to an end. But instead of giving up, the now-85-year-old retired data analyst from Burnaby, a suburb of Vancouver, decided to focus on what he could still do. He believed that his condition might be slowed down with the right changes, and over time, he found hope in that idea. In 2017, a major report published in The Lancet by international experts supported this thinking, finding that about 35% of dementia risk can be influenced by lifestyle choices. The report suggested that healthy habits may help slow the disease or even delay its development.

Mario was diagnosed with dementia in his mid-50s and was forced to quit his job. Doctors gave him seven to twelve years, and he was devastated. The thought that he could still do something while he was alive motivated him to start volunteering.

Mario says people need to have a sense of purpose in life. Now, 18 years after his dementia diagnosis and years after being told he had little time left, he continues to stay active and involved. He volunteers with about 20 different organizations, including universities researching dementia and community groups that prepare meals for people in need.

Source: Adam Sawatsky, CTV News