GREY-BRUCE – Dementia isn’t a normal part of aging. Almost 40 per cent of people over age 65 experience some form of memory loss. When there are no underlying medical conditions causing it, it’s known as age-associated memory impairment.
Age-associated memory impairment is part of the natural process of aging. For most people, memory generally remains strong as they get older, and doesn’t decline rapidly or substantively.
However, brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are different.
Symptoms of dementia include:
– memory loss, both short-term and long-term;
– difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language that are severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities; and
– changes in mood or behaviour.
Dementia is usually progressive. As more brain cells become damaged and eventually die, the symptoms of most dementia types will gradually get worse. That’s why it’s important to be diagnosed as early as possible.
Because of the effects of dementia, a person’s ability to communicate may become impaired, making it difficult to talk with them. But this doesn’t mean they should be ignored.
It’s important to try to reach the person in whichever way you can – and there are many ways to do so.
While the effects may not be immediately obvious, your efforts can improve their quality of life and help the person living with dementia feel more comfortable and secure.
Know that all persons with dementia have the right to be treated with respect.
There’s a lot that can be done locally, to help people living with dementia, and through ongoing research.
How can you help?
– Soup’s On and Silent Auction – takes place in Owen Sound at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and has about seven Walkerton businesses that have donated auction items. Silent auction items will be offered virtually from Jan. 20 to Jan. 30 and will be displayed at the Soup’s On event. Soup’s On is a soup competition featuring local eateries in support of the Alzheimer Society. Who will win the title of Best Hearty Soup, Best Creamy Soup, Best Vegetarian Soup and the coveted People’s Choice award? Admission is by donation. Buy your tickets now!
– Want to “Sock it to Dementia?” Drop in at Marlin Travel in Walkerton (or at a number of other outlets in Grey-Bruce) and pick up a pair of toasty warm socks – perfect for beating the winter’s chill. Proceeds from sale of the socks remain in the Grey-Bruce community, to help local families living with dementia.
– The annual Walk for Alzheimer’s is planned for Southampton, Hanover, Owen Sound and Thornbury, on May 27. Proceeds will help more than 1,000 area families living with dementia access free supports and services.
– Make a donation online at Alzheimer.ca/greybruce.
