According to the Alzheimer Society, 733,040 people in Canada are living with a neurocognitive disorder as of January 1, 2024. No reliable treatment exists for most of these disorders, but early diagnosis is crucial for people with dementia to maintain independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
This January, in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, learn to spot the early signs of this chronic neurodegenerative disease:
• Short-term memory loss, such as not remembering what you had for lunch
• Difficulty finding the right words in conversation or replacing words with others
• Struggling with familiar tasks like cooking
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Having trouble concentrating and learning things
• Making illogical decisions, such as dressing inappropriately for the weather
• Misplacing objects or putting them in strange places
• Losing interest in activities you used to love
• Sudden, unexplained mood swings, such as crying, getting angry or feeling fearful
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional. Tests and exams are available to determine whether it’s Alzheimer’s disease or another neurocognitive disorder.
For more information, visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada online at alzheimer.ca/en.
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