72% of Canadian women will develop Alzheimer's disease in their lifetime. 72%! That is a staggering number. Age is the biggest risk factor of Alzheimer's and because women live longer than men, they are most at risk.
10 warning signs of Alzheimer's from Alzheimer Society Canada.
1) Memory loss that affects day-to-day abilities. Forgetting things often or struggling to retain new information.
2) Difficulty performing familiar tasks such as preparing a meal or getting dressed.
3) Problems with finding the right words or substituting words that don't fit.
4) Disorientation in time and space - not knowing what day of the week it is or getting lost in your own home or a familiar place.
5) Impaired judgement - not recognizing a medical problem that requires attention or not dressing appropriately for the weather.
6) Problems with abstract thinking - having difficulty with banking or math. Not understanding how numbers are used.
7) Misplacing items or putting items in the wrong spot, for example, putting the sugar bowl in the microwave or putting laundry away in the refrigerator.
8) Changes in mood and behaviour - quickly changing from easy going to angry.
9) Changes in personality - behaving out of character, becoming confused, suspicious or fearful.
10) Loss of initiative - losing interest in friends, family and/or favourite activities.
If you have notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, please talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis allows you to get the help you need and plan for the future.
The Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network provides a specialized geriatric assessment service for seniors who have chronic, complex health issues. Our goal is to ensure seniors living in Leduc, Beaumont and Devon enjoy optimal health and quality of life while remaining in the community for as long as possible.
We accept referrals for the following conditions:
- cognitive/behavioural concerns
- functional decline (falls, mobility issues)
- review of medications
- capacity assessment
