How much do you know about Alzheimer's disease?
In a recent online survey of Canadian baby boomers, 50% knew that memory loss is a major symptom of Alzheimer’s disease but they didn’t know many of the other key warning signs such as:- Sudden mood changes
- Putting things in the wrong place
- Repeating words or statements
- Difficulty with everyday tasks like getting dressed
Increased risk
Many boomers also don’t realize that certain health problems like obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even chronic depression significantly increase their odds of developing Alzheimer’s.
The risk of getting the disease doubles every five years after you turn 65 but you can start to develop Alzheimer’s as early as age 40 - well before symptoms appear.
Fortunately researchers believe that they will have treatments developed in the next seven to ten years to address the actual process of the disease, not just the symptoms as is currently the case.
Test your Alzheimer’s knowledge at: www.alzheimer.ca/testyourknowledge
Improve your odds
You can't do much about age or genes but you can improve your chances of staying healthy longer by keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at appropriate levels, staying active and getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a heart-healthy diet.
Some Alzheimer’s resources to check out:
Books:
“The Long Hello: The other side of Alzheimer’s” by Cathie Borrie
“Looking into your voice: The eccentric and poetic realities of Alzheimer’s” by Cathie Borrie
“Tangles: A story about Alzheimer’s, my mother and me”, by Sarah Leavitt
Products:
The Alzheimer’s Store
The Alzheimer’s store features early, middle and late stage products to help families coping with Alzheimer’s disease. Everything is available by catalogue and online including day of the week clocks, anti-scalding devices and The Complete Guide to Alzheimers Proofing Your Home.
The Alzheimer Society
