Get the facts on Alzheimers

News Release
Kenora-RR Alz. Society

Canadians are still dismissing symptoms of dementia as “just old age” based on survey results released today by the Alzheimer Society. Close to 50 per cent of Canadians lived a year or more with their symptoms before seeing a family doctor. Of these, 16 per cent waited more than 2 years. A delayed diagnosis results in a huge treatment gap and prevents people from getting valuable information about medications, support and better disease management.
To promote the benefits of early diagnosis, this January during Alzheimer Awareness the Alzheimer Society is launching its Let’s face it! campaign.
The online survey, which was conducted by the Society in the fall of 2011, also revealed that the most common reason for the delay (53 per cent) was the belief that the symptoms were part of “old age” and would eventually go away. Another 39 per cent said their symptoms were episodic or didn’t take them seriously enough. Over a quarter either refused to see a doctor or saw no need to go unless symptoms grew worse.
However, three-quarters of respondents – caregivers of people with dementia – admitted that they wished they had sought a diagnosis sooner to have access to treatments to manage symptoms. They also recognized other benefits of getting a diagnosis when shown a list of these. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents said that early diagnosis would help them put their legal and financial affairs in order; 69 per cent said it would keep the person with dementia at home longer, and allow the person to actively participate in decision-making. Sixty-two percent of respondents attributed better coping and living with the disease to early diagnosis.
“Symptoms of dementia are different from normal aging, says Lynn Moffatt, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts. “We are encouraging the public to learn the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, so they can recognize the symptoms and be prepared”, says Lynn Moffatt. Individuals can learn the warning signs by visiting www.alzheimerkrr.com or contacting the Alzheimer Society at 1-800-682-0245.
The Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts offers a program to support individual newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their families, called “First Link”. First Link provides support as early as possible and throughout the disease process. Early access to ongoing education, services and support makes a huge difference to individuals and families affected by dementia. It increases their knowledge and understanding of dementia, helping them to cope more confidently with the challenges, plan for the future, reduce stress, prevent crises, and improve quality of life while living with the disease.”, says Lynn Moffatt, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts.