Dementia is more than just memory loss: Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, which aims to help reduce the stigma surrounding the disease.

Erica Zarazun, the public awareness co-ordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, says there are signs to watch out for.

“We like to call them the ABCs of dementia, when (someone notices) changes in abilities, behaviour and communication,” Zarazun told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday. “Memory loss is one, but (so are) difficulties with attention, with problem-solving and language, changes in mood and behaviour and also issues with vision, balance, movement and hearing.”

Alzheimer’s and dementia can also significantly affect someone’s personality, Zarazun said.

“Alzheimer’s is a disease that causes dementia, but there are other types of dementia and they all affect different areas of the brain,” she said. “Depending on the area of the brain, (they’re) going to have different symptoms.”

According to Zarazun, 40 per cent of dementia cases are preventable, and living a healthy lifestyle is very important when it comes to preventing dementia.

“(People should make) sure they get enough sleep … but also (focus on their) social health, education, (and continue) to challenge (their) brain throughout life,” Zarazun added.

She said it’s also important to manage things like hearing loss, brain injuries and other medical conditions, adding diabetes can have a big impact on developing dementia as well.

A dementia diagnosis often comes with a lot of stigma attached to it and many people don’t know what to do, Zarazun says.

“Being supportive of  … loved ones and just trying to understand them … from a place of compassion and patience is so important,” she added.

As for research and funding with regards to Alzheimer’s, Zarazun confirms research is always being done.

“(We) unfortunately don’t have a cure for Alzheimer’s, but we are hopefully working towards one,” she said.

The public awareness co-ordinator said the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan has teamed up with Conexus Credit Union to work on a dementia-friendly communities project.

“(The credit union) will be investing $120,000 towards (the project),” she said. “This will help Conexus become a more dementia-friendly financial institution through staff education on dementia to be able to better support their clients living with dementia and the financial challenges that come along with it.”

Zarazun said they’ll be offering education, support and resources to individuals, families and organizations across Saskatchewan relating to dementia and financial literacy.

Anyone looking for help can call the Dementia Helpline at 1-877-949-4141.