Alzheimer’s is a common form of dementia that effects 1 in 5 Canadians over 45. It affects memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increased age. The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. This is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over the years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment.
Those with this disease live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions. Although current Alzheimer’s treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
In this Brampton Focus episode we speak with Glenn and Elizabeth Cunningham from Making Our Seniors Matter. On July 20th, they will be hosting an event at the Canadian Coptic Center with key note speaker Teepa Snow, an occupational therapist that offers a training program on dealing and caring with loved ones affected by this disease.
