What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which causes thinking and memory to become seriously impaired.

How common is alzheimer’s?
1 in 20 Canadians over age 65 is affected by Alzheimer's disease and more women are affected by the disease than men.

What are the symptoms?
• Memory loss that affects day-to-day function
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation of time and place
• Poor or decreased judgment
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Misplacing things
• Changes in mood and behaviour
• Changes in personality
• Loss of initiative

People may think these symptoms are part of normal aging but they aren't. It is important to see a doctor when you notice any of these symptoms because they might be due to other condition that can mimic Alzheimer’s such as depression, drug interactions, a dietary deficiency of a vitamin or an infection. If you notice problems with memory in you or a family member don’t jump to conclusions about the cause because there are several possibilities that can explain the symptoms.

Causes
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unknown but researchers believe it is caused by a combination of factors that muck up nerve cells in the brain so they don’t work properly. Current research is focusing on family history and genetics and the internal/external environment.

Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer's disease is:
• Not a part of normal aging
• Affects both men and women
• More common in people as they age -- most people with the disease are over 65
• Not caused by hardening of the arteries
• Not caused by stress

Diagnosis
At specialized centers, doctors can diagnose Alzheimer’s correctly up to 90 percent of the time.

Doctors use several tools to diagnose "probable" Alzheimer’s, including:
• questions about the person's general health, past medical problems, and ability to carry out daily activities;
• tests to measure memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language;
• medical tests - such as tests of blood, urine, or spinal fluid; and brain scans.

Treatments
At present there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medications and other approaches that can successfully help with some of the symptoms, delay the effects and improve quality of life, in some people. The good news is that researchers have made great strides and there are a number of drugs in clinical trials that act directly against the disease process. They’re even testing vaccines against the disease.

Living with Alzheimer's or a related disease can be challenging. Whether you have the disease or you are caring for someone who does, it is important to take steps to be as healthy as you can be. Research shows that there are many things that you can do to enhance health and quality of life when living with Alzheimer's disease including:

• Eating well
• Remaining active
• Staying connected with friends and family
• Keeping your brain active
• Taking charge of your own health
• Reducing your stress
• Finding help

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s

When you’re taking care of a loved one, you may forget to take good care of yourself. Your are at risk for caregiver burnout. Alzheimer’s is one of the most emotionally draining and traumatic conditions for both the individual and their family. It can be hard on your body and cause a lot of stress. A lot of caregivers have times when they feel tired and overwhelmed. In fact, caregivers themselves have a high risk of depression and other sickness. Those with little or no help from family and friends are at the highest risk.

When you need to, it may be necessary to reach out to others. Family members, friends, and neighbours may want to help. They need you to tell them what kind of help they can give. Try to make specific requests when you can. It may be hard to ask, but getting help when you need it may be beneficial. Your doctor should be part of your support network; they may see signs of depression or illness that you don't notice. Other health care team providers can also be invaluable for support, information and resources. Peer support groups and societies are available in some communities and help you know you’re not alone and not the only one going through the challenges the disease can bring.

More information

For further information about Alzheimer’s disease contact a community organization or your family doctor to find out about support and resources available in your community.

Related Websites:
Alzheimer’s Society of Canada

Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Disease International

National Institute on Aging

Alzheimer Knowledge Exchange

mentalhealthminute.com

Aging and Retirement

Retirement can be a time of freedom and reward after a lengthy career of service. For many it’s a chance to get to things they’ve always wanted to and finally are able. Most people live active fulfilling lives in their retirement years. But it’s also a time of change that can catch some people off guard. At first the time away from work can be a relief, like an extended vacation. But retirement may mean a loss of your work role and authority, and you no longer have the routine of getting up and going in to the social atmosphere of most workplaces. With time you may feel unproductive with no purpose or contribution from yourself. Some people start to feel like they’ve gone from a somebody to a nobody without a job or work to help define them. And it’s easy to get isolated from social contacts. With time this can be unhealthy for your mental and physical health.

It’s best to think ahead and prepare for the changes. Before retiring think of activities you enjoy or find meaningful. Participating in these social activities before you retire can ease the transition and give you a network to tap in to later on if you choose. Find interests and activities that stimulate you and give you a sense of purpose and make you feel you’re contributing to the world in some way. And try to stay connected to social networks and community. For some people this is more time with family. For others it’s volunteer work, or involvement in their religious organizations. Some people feel they want to be productive by starting a new business, or contribute to the next generation with their time and experience.
Despite the ads for Freedom 65 describing retirement as the best time of your life, growing older is not something everyone looks forward to. As we age, we face many changes and sources of stress - we are not as strong as we used to be, illness is more of a problem, children move away from home, we retire from work, and we may become lonely.

These changes may contribute to an increased level of sadness and sometimes clinical depression. In Canada about 6% of the over-65 age group suffers mild to severe depression. Retirement and isolation also increases the risks for developing problems with alcohol.
Coping with all these changes is difficult, but it can be done, and your retirement years can become some of your best!

Dealing with retirement

Retirement can be a major source of stress because your job may have been a very important part of your life. This stress may be even greater if you have been forced to retire because of your employer's retirement policies. You may lose your sense of identity and feel worthless. You will probably miss the daily contact with friends from work.

However, retirement does not have to be a sad time, and there are things you can do to meet the challenges facing you, such as:

• Make a list of your abilities and skills. Your work experiences may help you succeed in a small business or do valuable volunteer work for a favourite charity.

• Renew your interest in the hobbies and activities you enjoy. You now have time to play - enjoy!

• If you can afford it, travel. There are probably places you have wanted to see all your life. The early years of your retirement can be the ideal time to become a nomad for a while.

• Stay socially connected in whatever way works for you.

• Review your finances and living costs for the peace of mind that you can sustain your living needs. Get help from someone to plan if needed.

Dealing with loneliness
Everyone needs some time alone, but being alone against your will is very painful. You risk losing your sense of purpose and self-worth. Being retired changes your social life but there are things to do to avoid loneliness:

• Stay active, and look for new social contacts. Most communities have a number of programs.

• Try to make friends with people of different ages. You may be pleasantly surprised to find how much you have in common!

• Spend time with grandchildren or other young family members.

• Volunteer to help part-time in a local school or day-care centre. Very young children can brighten up your life with their enthusiasm and energy.

• Learn to recognize and deal with the signs of depression. Your family doctor can refer you to a mental health professional for treatment if needed.

Staying Physically Healthy

The physical changes you undergo throughout your retirement years can also be a source of stress. Here are some things you can do to stay as physically active and fit as possible:

• Accommodate to your physical changes. Get the things that will help you - eyeglasses or hearing aids for example.

• Keep a positive attitude. Chances are you will still be able to do almost all the things you used to; you may just need to take a little more time and learn to pace yourself.

• See your family doctor or health and wellness providers regularly.

• Be careful about your medications, they may begin to affect you differently than before. Make sure your doctor and health care providers know about all your medications. Keep an up to date list in your wallet.

• Take responsibility for your own health. Do not hesitate to ask your health provider questions.

• Adopt a balanced nutritious diet, and try not to over-eat.

• Drink less alcohol. Your body will have more difficulty coping with it as you grow older.

• Regular exercise and physical activity can be both healthy and enjoyable like walking, swimming, dance classes etc.

Although your body and lifestyle are changing, your personality remains the same. You are still you! Remaining active and with a positive outlook can allow for many more years of enjoying life.

More information

For further information about retirement and aging contact a community organization, health care provider or your family doctor to find out about support and resources available in your community.

Related Web Sites:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Canadian Mental Health Association

Aging in Canada

Here to Help

mentalhealthminute.com