- Understanding Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias
- Causes and risk factors related to dementia
- Symptoms and the progression of dementia
Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage or disease in the brain beyond what might be expected from normal aging. There is a lot to learn about dementia. But both you and your care partners can take steps each day to make it more manageable together. Some of the most important things to note are that the changes you experience are because of dementia. You will have good and bad days. Everyone with dementia is affected differently, so be open to new ideas so you can find what works for you. You are not alone. There are many people going through the same situation, but there are also many people available to help youa.
Frequently asked questions
I have been told I have dementia. What does that mean?
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Dementia is not a disease in and of itself, but a set of symptoms or a syndrome. The brain cells change and changes usually cause problems with:
- memory
- communication (finding and using words correctly as well as understanding what you are being told)
- thinking
- judgment
- reasoning
- mood
- behaviour (such as irritability and depression)
- coping (blame may be placed on others)
- caring for oneself (less showering, forgetting to brush teeth, comb hair, etc.)
- understanding the world (disorientation to place and time)
There are many forms of dementia - Alzheimer's disease is the most common form to date.
How many people are affected by Alzheimer's disease?
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Between 50-70% of dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer's disease, alone or in combination with other types of dementia. This type of dementia is more common in women than in men.
Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2009, May). Alzheimer's disease: Causes of Alzheimer's disease. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and it can eventually affect most areas of the brain. Alzheimer's disease usually begins with short-term memory loss. People affected by Alzheimer's disease need to be reminded about things several times, or they may ask the same question several times, or they may forget important day-to-day things, like taking their medications or paying bills. Having trouble finding your way in familiar places can also happen early on. Eventually, Alzheimer's disease affects your thinking and problem-solving ability, your language, and your ability to perform everyday tasks and activities. Alzheimer's disease can also affect your mood and your behavior, and this can occur at any time in the course of the disease.
What are the other types of dementia?
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Other types of dementia include:
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson's Disease dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia (usually vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease)
- Huntington's Disease
- Alcohol related dementia
- Head injury; acquired brain injury
- Benign brain tumor or hydrocephalus (fluid buildup on brain)
- AIDS related dementia
Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Peel. (n.d.). Your guidelines to "a journey through care". Mississauga, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Peel.
What is vascular dementia?
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This is a broad term for dementia associated with problems of blood circulation (oxygen) to the brain. Pure vascular dementia is rare; it is more common to see a mixed dementia (Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia). When blood is not circulating to the brain to provide oxygen, the cells in the brain die. Strokes are a common cause of vascular dementia. This dementia usually has a sudden onset. Transient Ichemic Attacks (TIAs) are warning signs of a possible stroke and warrant urgent medical attention to prevent a stroke and thus preserve cognitive function. Vascular dementia is slightly more common in men than women.
Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003, July). Related dementia – vascular dementia. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.
What is Lewy Body dementia?
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The name comes from abnormal structures called Lewy bodies. These bodies are said to cause death of the nerve cells. Some features of this dementia resemble Parkinson's disease. Muscle stiffness, hallucinations, fluctuations in symptoms, and stooped posture are all signs of Lewy Body dementia. This dementia is more common in men than women.
People with Parkinson's disease can also develop symptoms that can be similar to those of Lewy Body dementia, but less severe.
Source: The information was compiled with permission from Australian Government. (2006). Living with dementia. A booklet for people with dementia. Canberra, Australia: Commonwealth of Australia and Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003, July). Related dementia – lewy body dementia. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.
What is frontotemporal dementia?
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This type of dementia primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are the areas associated with personality and behaviour. The brain cells in these areas shrink or die. A person with this dementia may have difficulty with personality changes, major behavioural problems, difficulties planning and organizing, or with producing or understanding speech. They usually have an intact memory in the early to mid-stages of the disease. This dementia occurs at an earlier age than Alzheimer's disease and can affect both men and women.
Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2007, August). Related dementia – frontotemporal dementia. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.
What does the latest research tell us about dementia?
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Although there is no cure for dementia presently, researchers all over the world are working hard to find a cure. For an annual summary of research in this area, you can visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada website. Another option is to visit the Alzheimer Research Forum website, which provides information and research related to dementia. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research Dementia Research Strategy also provides information on their dementia research strategy, funding and resources.
How can I become involved in research?
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If you are interested in becoming involved in research, you can visit the following sites to learn more about research participation opportunities:
Alzheimer Society Research Portal
Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research (C5R) website
Helpful links and resources
Alzheimer Research Forum website
Provides information and research related to dementia
Alzheimer Society of Canada - Research
Highlights key research in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including research funded by the Alzheimer Society Research Program
Alzheimer Society Research Portal
Connects researchers with Canadians looking to participate in studies
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Dementia Research Strategy
Provides information on the CIHR dementia research strategy, funding and resources.
ClinicalTrials.gov
A database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world
Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research (C5R) website
A non-profit consortium of researchers committed to the pursuit of dementia research. Also provides a list of current research studies and opportunities to participate.