About Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome consisting of a number of symptoms that include loss of memory, judgment and reasoning, and changes in mood and behaviour. These symptoms may affect a persons functioning at work, in social relationships or in day-to-day activities. Sometimes symptoms of dementia can be caused by conditions that may be treatable, such as depression, thyroid disease, infections or drug interactions. If the symptoms are not treatable and progress over time, they may be due to damage to the nerve cells in the brain. A person should seek a thorough medical assessment if any of these symptoms are present.
Alzheimer Disease, the most common form of dementia, accounts for 64% of all dementias in Canada. The features of Alzheimer Disease include a gradual onset and continuing decline of memory, as well as changes in judgment or reasoning, and inability to perform familiar tasks.
Sometimes a person may experience symptoms early on, such as sudden onset of memory loss, behaviour changes, or difficulties with speech and movement. These symptoms may suggest a dementia other than Alzheimer Disease.
For more information on the Diseases that cause dementia click on any of the following:
Alzheimer Disease
Vascular Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia
Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease
AIDS Dementia Complex
Alzheimer Disease and Down Syndrome
Regardless of the dementia, individuals can obtain information and support from the Alzheimer Society.
The Alzheimer chapters in Simcoe County are The Alzheimer Society of Greater Simcoe and The Alzheimer Society of North East Simcoe.
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