There are roughly 733,000 people in Canada living with some form of Alzheimer’s, according to the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society.
This is why the New Brunswick Alzheimer’s Society is hoping to raise awareness about the risk factors and early warning signs of the disease. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
“There are ways that we can reduce our risk for developing dementia,” said Ben McLaughlin. “Right now, there is no surefire way to completely prevent it, but there are lots of different ways that you can reduce your risk.”
There are several risk factors for Alzheimer’s including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, among several others. The two said it is never too late to start the process of taking better care of your physical health.
“Managing your numbers, like your blood pressure, weight, and blood sugars,” said NBAS executive director Chandra McBean. “If you have diabetes, all of those things have a higher impact than any potential treatment that can be available now and even in the future.”
According to the National Alzheimer’s Society, about 350 people in Canada develop dementia per day, almost 15 per hour.
By 2030, the organization says, the number of people living with dementia could increase by 65 per cent.
McLaughlin said there are ways to notice whether someone could be dealing with some form of Alzheimer’s – with the main one being shifts in their personality and memory.
“Memory is one of the first kinds of tell-tale signs that we tend to notice,” he said. “Oftentimes the first kind of changes that we notice aren’t just memory. It could be a change in personality.”
He said some who might have always been warm and friendly might become more defensive or closed off.
“I would add one of the earliest changes that families share with us is changes in managing finances,” McBean said. “So, anything that requires abstract thinking.”
There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s.
The NBAS has created a program called First Link to help people living with dementia or their caregivers.
“It’s about accompanying the individual living with dementia and the family and care partners and whoever’s involved in that circle of care,” McBean said.
The program connects individuals and families with resources like education and support services specific to their needs. This happens both at the time of diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease.
Both McLaughlin and McBean said someone does not have to be diagnosed to reach out to the society, even with just questions.
All the information about the New Brunswick Alzheimer’s Society is available here.
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