Thursday, January 06, 2011
Alzheimer’s disease… it’s more than you think
First wave of baby boomers turning 65 not ready for Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer Society survey reveals alarming knowledge gap
Canadians can test their own knowledge at www.alzheimer.ca/testyourknowledge
An online survey of baby boomers across Canada conducted by the Alzheimer Society reveals a worrying lack of awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.
Survey results show that an astonishing 23 per cent of boomers can’t name any of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, even though their risk doubles every five years after age 65.
Of those surveyed, 50 per cent identified memory loss as a key symptom, but failed to mention other critical signs.
“Boomers can take steps to protect themselves from Alzheimer’s disease,” says Kathy Wright, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County.
Most boomers are familiar with the common hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease of not recognizing familiar faces and objects. But less than half know about life-altering changes, such as hallucinations or total dependency on others for basic care, that occur in the disease’s later stages. More troubling, respondents are unaware that diabetes, obesity, heart disease and chronic depression significantly increase their odds for developing the disease.
Survey findings confirm a disturbing lack of knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease among boomers, the country’s largest demographic group, who will become increasingly at risk as they age. But the reasons for self-awareness and prevention have never been more compelling. Without a cure or drugs to stop the disease, Alzheimer’s is destined to be the most pressing and costly health issue boomers will face in their lifetime: either they will get the disease themselves or be faced with caring for someone with the disease.
During Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society is asking Canadians to test their own knowledge by taking the survey at www.alzheimer.ca/testyourknowledge. The Society also urges Canadians, especially those 40 and older, to practise prevention by learning the risks and making simple lifestyle changes: eat a heart-healthy diet, stay active, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
About Alzheimer’s disease:
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading form of dementia. It is a fatal progressive disease of the brain that robs memory and steals the ability to reason, communicate and perform daily tasks. Changes in the brain can begin to appear decades before diagnosis and progression can last between seven and 10 years. Eventually, the person affected will require 24-hour care and supervision. Age is the single biggest risk factor but the disease can also strike as early as 40.
About the survey:
More than 1,000 Canadians aged 45 to 65 completed the survey in July 2010. Men and women were split evenly. Of those surveyed, 37 per cent had some personal connection to the disease. None were affiliated with the Alzheimer Society in any way, nor have they or a family member donated to or used any of the Society’s programs and services. Boomers were tested in three areas: early signs of Alzheimer’s disease (unaided and aided awareness); later-stage symptoms (aided), and key risk factors (aided). To read the results, visit www.alzheimer.ca/testyourknowledge
About the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County:
In Ottawa and Renfrew County, there are approximately 13,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This number does not include family members and carers who must also cope with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County provides information, support and education to individuals and families coping with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Ottawa and Renfrew County.
About the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s January 2011 Activities:
January 14: Deadline date of Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County's contest to see how well you know Alzheimer's disease. Test your knowledge and win a prize! For contest questions and details, visit www.alzheimer-ottawa-rc.org.
January 19: The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County presents its special seminar "Alzheimer's Disease: It's More Than You Think" from 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at the Hellenic Banquet Centre. Dr. Frank Molnar, Medical Director, Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario, will provide information on the warning signs of dementia, benefits of early diagnosis, Alzheimer research, highlights of the survey of boomers and their knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Ms. Linda Assad-Butcher, who has a family member with dementia, will share comments about her personal story. Cost: $20/person includes continental breakfast. Registration by January 14 to 613-523-4004.
January 30: Walk for Memories, Ottawa's premier indoor fundraising walk, in support of the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County at Carleton University Fieldhouse. Music, entertainment and fun for the whole family. Walking challenges with prizes for going the distance and top fundraisers. Online registration: www.walkformemories.ca
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