From our friends at the Alzheimer’s Society: did you know that Almost 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss? When there is no underlying medical condition causing this memory loss, it is 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.
The idea that dementia is an “old person’s disease” is not just stigmatizing, it’s also a myth. While most people living with dementia are over the age of 65, a small number of people in their 40’s and 50’s can and do develop dementia. This is known as young onset dementia.
With more than half a million Canadians living with dementia today, a number expected to reach almost one million in 10 years, we are grateful for the Alzheimer’s Society’s commitment to enhancing its support amongst people living with dementia to meet their needs early in, and throughout, their journey.
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. All persons with dementia have the right to be treated with respect. If you are looking for more information on Dementia or Alzheimer Disease, please reach out to the Alzheimer Society 1-866-950-5465 or help@alzheimer.ab.ca