Does dementia scare you?

Understanding it is the first step to dealing with it

Are you worried about dementia?

You are not alone. Even the word dementia can strike fear in many fuelling the stigma associated with dementia. Stigma is the strong feeling of disapproval that most people in society have about something, especially when it is unfair.

People living with dementia and their care partners cope with this on a daily basis. There is a lack of education and awareness of dementia in communities everywhere, resulting in embarrassment and fear, and barriers to a diagnosis and care. Isolation for the person with the diagnosis and their caregivers is common throughout the disease.

It’s important to understand the disease so that we can remove the many barriers and stigma those with a diagnosis face.

So, what is dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Dementia is an umbrella term used to

describe a number of different disorders that affect the brain, particularly memory, behaviour, thinking and emotion. There are over 100 different types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for over 65 per cent of all dementias out there.

As we age, we all develop normal signs of aging from aching muscles, reduced eyesight and hearing, and mental lapses. These mental lapses could be something as simple as forgetting where you placed your reading glasses, forgetting the name of an acquaintance momentarily.

Every person will experience dementia differently and some of the signs are not always obvious. Hence, there's usually a delayed diagnosis. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Difficulty recalling recent events but remembering the past; • Unable to make decisions; • Problems with finding the right word;

• Losing track of the day/date;

• Confusion of their whereabouts;

• Difficulties carrying out an everyday series of tasks such as cooking;

• Inability to judge distances such as the stairs;

• Trouble handling money, particularly in shops;

• Changes in personality or mood; • Depression. It is important to remember that these changes are not a normal part of aging.

What if you are worried about your memory or other symptoms? It’s important to go to your doctor with your concerns. Your symptoms may be due to other conditions such as depression, drug interactions or an infection. An early diagnosis helps you to get proper treatment, information and support.

This is where the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and North West Territories can assist. Through our programs and services, we can provide the education and support necessary to navigate this progressive disease through phone contact, caregiver support groups, one on one information sessions, and community events.

If you would like to help us continue to provide programs and supports to families affected by dementia, consider joining one our IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer events. In Lethbridge the walk is on June 15.

For more information on how you can help someone you know living with a diagnosis of dementia, or to join a walk in your area, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and North West Territories office at 403-329-3766, or visit the office located at #40, 1202 2 Ave. S., Lethbridge.