Finding a quality dementia caregiver can provide invaluable peace of mind for families of dementia sufferers. January marks Alzheimer’s
Awareness Month. Metro Creative
For those affected by Alzheimer’s, it’s hard to forget the day to day devastating impacts of the illness — for family members, caregivers and loved ones living with it.
January marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s disease destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate. It is irreversible and eventually fatal. It’s a kind of dementia, a brain disease, and symptoms such as loss of memory, changes in judgment and reasoning, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language and changes in mood and behaviour can worsen over time.
“Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is an opportunity to focus on people living with this devastating dementia and the communities that walk these difficult journeys alongside them,” said Premier Jason Kenney in a Jan. 2 press release. “I invite all Albertans to join me in honouring the humanity and enormous courage of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and the people who care for them. It’s an illness that is likely to touch us all and it’s a path best walked together.”
Dr. Alois Alzheimer first identified the disease in 1906. According to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Terrorities, the doctor described the disease in two terms: plaques, which are numerous tiny, dense deposits scattered throughout the brain that become toxic to brain cells at excessive levels, and tangles, which interfere with vital processes, eventually choking off the living cells. When brain cells degenerate and die, the brain markedly shrinks in some regions.
While dementia is not a part of the normal aging process, age is considered a major risk factor. More than 564,000 Canadians are living with dementia and by 2031, it’s expected to increase by 66 per cent, affecting nearly 940,000 people nation-wide.
“Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia often present barriers like fear and stigma. Patients hide their symptoms and even resist treatment while this form of dementia robs them of their memories and independence. Meanwhile, families and communities face challenges as they provide support and resources to those living with Alzheimer’s,” said Kenney.
According to the national Alzheimer Society, the combined health-care system and out-of-pocket costs of dementia are estimated at $10.4 billion. By 2031, this figure is expected to increase by 60 per cent, to $16.6 billion.
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