More and more residents are about learn about Alzheimer Disease whether they like it or not.
The first baby boomers are expected to hit the age of 65 this year and the number of Canadians who will suffer from dementia is estimated to soar from 500 thousand to one and a half million in the next few years.
The Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce says many people don’t even know about the warning signs of the disease.
Deborah Barker says those warning signs include memory loss, difficulty completing tasks, misplacing items and mood changes.
A study completed in the summer shows 25 per cent of people don’t know any of the warning signs while 50 per cent only know about memory loss.
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month — and Barker says they want to use the month to inform people about the warning signs.
Barker says if anyone thinks they may be developing alzheimers — they should see a doctor right away.
She also notes you can prevent the onset of alzheimers by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and by challenging your brain.
Barker notes they provided support to 500 families in Grey Bruce last year — but they think more than 8 thousand local residents suffer from alzheimers.
Since that number is growing — Barker says they have started new support groups in Port Elgin and Sauble Beach.
There are also support groups in Owen Sound, Hanover, Grey Highlands, Kincardine and Meaford.
The group is holding a meeting on January 25th in Owen Sound about Driving with Dementia.
And one of the group’s big fundraisers is being held on January 29th as the Walk for Memories will be held in Owen Sound, Port Elgin and Hanover.
