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Alzheimer’s Disease... it’s more than you think

An online survey of baby boomers across Canada conducted by the Alzheimer Society reveals a troubling lack of awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. The gap in awareness in B.C. is sounding alarm bells as to whether our largest population is prepared for the rising tide of dementia that is ahead.

An online survey of baby boomers across Canada conducted by the Alzheimer Society reveals a troubling lack of awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. The gap in awareness in B.C. is sounding alarm bells as to whether our largest population is prepared for the rising tide of dementia that is ahead.

Survey findings indicate that:

• 23 per cent of Canadian baby boomers can’t name any of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, even though their risk doubles every five years after age 65.

• Less than half of those surveyed in B.C. were able to identify later-stage symptoms other than the most commonly known loss of memory.

• Perhaps more troubling is that respondents were unfamiliar with controllable risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and chronic depression.

“Awareness and education are the cornerstones for risk reduction particularly since there is yet no cure or treatment to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,” explains Linda Hoskin, West Kootenay co-ordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “People need to take care of their brain health, we need to work together to support those who are already on the dementia journey and to find the causes and cure for this devastating disease.”

During Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is asking you to test your own knowledge by taking the survey at alzheimerbc.org/testyourknowledge.aspx.

They urge everyone, especially those 40 and older, to learn about Alzheimer’s disease, know the warning signs, and reduce their risk by making simple lifestyle changes. Learn more at by visiting the Alzheimer’s disease and dementia section of our website.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is a non-profit organization providing province-wide support and education for families impacted by dementia and anyone concerned with memory loss, and leads a provincial effort to transform dementia care in the province. The society is part of a national federation of Alzheimer societies in Canada, creating the leading nationwide health organization for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and is a principal funder of Alzheimer research and training.

Join the upcoming Investors Group Walk for Memories, January 30 in the Nelson Community Complex to help raise funds for those living with dementia.

For further information contact the Wet Kootenay Resource Centre at 250-352-6788, 1-877-452-6788 or lhoskin@alzhiemerbc.org.