Misplaced keys. A forgotten name or password. Forgetting a special occasion like a birthday.

As we age, many of us start to worry memory loss means we are getting dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s normal for us to be concerned.

According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, almost 40% of us will experience some form of memory loss after we turn 65 years old. It’s a natural part of aging.

Even if you experience memory loss as you age, the chances are still low, however, that it’s dementia. The World Health Organization estimates that five to eight per cent of us will live with dementia at some point in our lives.

Dementia is a broad term to describe the symptoms that affect brain function. It’s a condition characterized by:

• Loss of memory, judgement and reasoning;
• Changes in behaviour and mood;
• Physical changes like loss of coordination, balance and mobility.

These changes often result in a progressive decline in a person’s ability to function at work and in social relationships, or to perform regular daily activities.

It’s important to know that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is diagnosed by health-care professionals.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It’s estimated to contribute to 60–70% of dementia cases. There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s and it’s not reversible, though some medicines might slow it down for a while and make the disease easier to live with.

The risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer’s is influenced by factors that include your lifestyle, environment and genetics.

Some factors you can control; others you cannot. Like most diseases, risk factors represent an increased chance that dementia will develop—but is not a certainty. Conversely, having little to no risk factor exposure doesn’t mean you’re protected from getting dementia.

Are dementia and Alzheimer’s preventable?

You can reduce the risk of getting dementia by paying attention to the following risk factors.

It’s estimated 40% of dementia cases may be the result of these modifiable factors:

High blood pressure;

Smoking;

Diabetes;

Lack of physical activity;

Obesity;

Diet;

Alcohol consumption;

Low levels of cognitive engagement;

Depression;

Traumatic brain injury;

Hearing loss;

Social isolation;;

Air pollution.

I’m worried I may get dementia. What can I do now to help feel prepared?

An important step anyone can take is to think about, write down and talk about your wishes and instructions for personal and health care needs.

Advance care planning can begin at any stage of your life. We make our best decisions when we are calm and before we are in a stressful situation or medical crisis. Even if you’re feeling well and healthy now, it’s a good idea to be prepared in case you become suddenly unwell and not able to make decisions for yourself.

This article is the first in our four-part series on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Learn about resources and programs to help people living with the disease and their caregivers lead fulfilling lives with the support of their community.

Lead image: According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, almost 40 per cent of us will experience some form of memory loss after we turn 65 years old. It’s a natural part of aging – but dementia is not. Interior Health image

Interior Health

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