Alzheimer’s is a disease with far-reaching effects, not only in how it silently infiltrates the brain but also in how many lives it touches. Its impact extends beyond those diagnosed, reaching families and friends. Nearly everyone knows someone—a loved one, friend, or neighbour—who is living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Alarming Alzheimer’s Statistics in Canada
According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, as of January 1, 2024, an estimated 733,040 people in Canada are living with dementia. Alarmingly, more than 350 people develop dementia every single day—that’s over 15 new cases per hour. By 2030, nearly one million Canadians could be living with this condition.
A Personal Introduction to Alzheimer’s
When my family was first introduced to this devastating disease, we were given the diagnosis of “Alzheimer’s/Dementia.” At the time, I found this term confusing—I had assumed Alzheimer’s disease and dementia were entirely separate conditions.
In this article, we’ll explore what dementia is, and how it relates to Alzheimer’s, and some key basics to better understand this complex and life-changing disease.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe over 100 neurological conditions that progressively impair cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, problem-solving, and, in later stages, the ability to perform everyday activities.
The Dementia Umbrella: Alzheimer’s and Other Conditions
Think of dementia as an umbrella that covers a range of neurological disorders—with Alzheimer’s being the most common one beneath it. Diseases under this “dementia umbrella” share certain characteristics: they progress over time and share similar risk factors such as age, hypertension, unhealthy lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumption), obesity, and diabetes.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60–80% of dementia cases. Other conditions under this umbrella include:
Lewy body dementia
Vascular dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Causes and Contributing Factors
Dementia can result from various conditions that affect the brain. For example, a stroke can lead to vascular dementia. When part of the brain receives less blood flow due to a clot, brain cells may die, causing symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, or difficulty speaking, depending on the affected brain area.
While much of the damage caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s is permanent, some factors can improve symptoms if addressed. These include:
Reducing alcohol intake
Treating vitamin deficiencies
Resolving thyroid problems
Reviewing medications for adverse interactions
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disease that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. One of the most notable and challenging symptoms of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, particularly the loss of short-term memory.
Understanding How Alzheimer’s Impacts the Brain
Imagine your mind as a large working desk. On the desktop are stacks of “papers” representing your immediate tasks—your thoughts, plans, daily experiences, and working memory. These might include things like getting dressed, making breakfast, or paying bills. As new information comes in, such as a loved one telling you about an upcoming appointment, it gets added to the desktop. Once processed, that memory is typically stored away in a drawer for safekeeping.
In a healthy brain, short-term memories move from the desktop into a “short-term memory drawer” before being organized into the “long-term memory drawer,” where they’re preserved. However, for someone with Alzheimer’s, the short-term memory drawer has no bottom—those memories fall through and are lost. Meanwhile, the long-term memory drawer often remains intact, which is why people with Alzheimer’s may vividly recall events from years ago but struggle to remember recent occurrences.
In advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, even long-term memories may fade as more areas of the brain are damaged.
Why Understanding Alzheimer’s Matters
Understanding the distinction between Alzheimer’s and dementia doesn’t change the disease’s progression. However, it can transform how we care for and interact with those living with the disease.
Seeing Beyond the Disease
It’s essential to remember that individuals with Alzheimer’s still crave human connection, long for acceptance and love, and maintain a deep need for purpose. While it’s easy to focus on the lost memories and changes in behavior, don’t lose sight of the fact that your loved one is still present.
Though they may experience the world differently, their essence—their emotions, their need for companionship, and their ability to find joy in moments—remains. By approaching them with patience, empathy, and understanding, you can ensure they feel valued and loved throughout their journey.
Support for Families and Caregivers
At Serving Hands Senior Care, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s. Our goal is to support not only those affected by the disease but also their families, ensuring they feel equipped, informed, and confident in navigating the challenges of caregiving.
Together, we can raise awareness of this life-changing disease and create a community where those affected feel understood, supported, and cherished.
Contact Us
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. Together, we can create a supportive and loving environment for those on this journey.
If you or an ageing loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care, please contact the caring staff at Serving Hands Senior Care today. Call (780) 963-1516.
Premiere Home Health and Senior Home Care services in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Devon, St. Albert, Edmonton, Onoway, Leduc, Parkland County and surrounding communities since 2016.
