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Alzheimer Society of Canada
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About dementia
- What is dementia?
  - What is dementia?The term "dementia" doesn't actually refer to one, specific disease. Rather, it's an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain.
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  - Dementia numbers in CanadaThe Alzheimer Society is committed to providing accurate and reliable data on dementia in Canada. Statistics listed on this page are the most current available and are updated periodically when new reports and studies are issued.
  - Reports on dementiaUnderstand dementia and its impact in Canada and around the world.
  - Young onset dementiaWhen symptoms of dementia start before the age of 65, we use the term "young onset dementia."
- What is Alzheimer's disease?
  - What is Alzheimer's disease?Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, and is irreversible.
  - Common questions about dementiaGet the answers to the most common questions about dementia.
  - The history behind Alzheimer's diseaseWhile Alzheimer's has always been with us, attempts to understand and identify the disease and its impact didn't come about until very recently in human history.
  - The difference between Alzheimer's disease and other dementiasAlzheimer's disease and dementia do not mean the same thing. Understand the difference on this page.
  - How Alzheimer's disease changes the brainAlzheimer's disease can change the brain in many different ways, On this page, read about some of the changes you may expect as the disease progresses.
  - The stages of Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease is usually described in terms of stages, indicating the severity of the symptoms. Learn about the stages on this page, from early stage to end of life.
  - Genetic testing and Alzheimer's diseaseGenetic testing can sometimes help identify whether a person has a high or low chance of developing Alzheimer's disease. On this page, find out more about genetic testing for Alzheimer's and whether it applies to you.
- Other types of dementia
  - Other types of dementiaWhile Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, there are other types as well. Learn about them here.
  - Young onset dementiaWhen symptoms of dementia start before the age of 65, we use the term "young onset dementia."
  - Vascular dementiaThe most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia occurs when the brain’s blood supply is blocked or damaged, causing brain cells to be deprived of oxygen and die.
  - Dementia with Lewy bodiesDementia with Lewy bodies – caused by abnormal 'Lewy bodies' deposits of protein called alpha-synuclein inside of the brain's nerve cells – shares many similarities with Parkinson’s disease.
  - Frontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for a group of rare disorders that primarily affect the areas of the brain associated with personality and behaviour.
  - Mixed dementiaIt's possible for someone to have more than one type of dementia. When this happens, it's known as mixed dementia.
  - LATE-NCLimbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (or LATE-NC) is the most recently identified form of dementia, noted for its close similarity to Alzheimer’s.
  - Rare types of dementiaThere are many conditions that, in rare cases, can lead to dementia. Learn about them in this section.
  - Conditions related to dementiaLearn about conditions similar to dementia in this section.
- Do I have dementia?
  - Do I have dementia?If you're unsure whether you have dementia, this section will help you. Get answers to common questions. Recognize what's a warning sign and what's part of normal aging. Know when it may be time to seek a diagnosis.
  - The 10 warning signs of dementiaWhether you’re concerned for yourself or someone you care about, it's important to know the warning signs of dementia so you can ensure an early diagnosis. Here are 10 of the most common warning signs for dementia.
  - The differences between normal aging and dementiaIf you are experiencing difficulties with memory, know that they may not be signs of dementia. It could be memory loss as a part of normal aging.
  - How to get tested for dementiaIf you or someone you know is concerned about having dementia, it’s important that you can identify the warning signs, know when to talk to your doctor and understand how dementia is diagnosed. Follow these steps.
- How can I reduce the risk of dementia?
  - How can I reduce the risk of dementia?There is no sure way to prevent dementia. Some risk factors cannot be controlled. But research suggests that you can manage other risk factors.
  - Brain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementiaThis page lists evidence-based tips and strategies to help you lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle that protects your brain and reduces your risk of dementia.
  - Diabetes and dementiaWhat's the connection between diabetes and dementia? Learn more about this particular risk factor for dementia.
  - Risk factors for dementiaWhen it comes to dementia, there are risk factors you can change, and risk factors you cannot. Learn about both types on this page, as well as unproven risks that need more evidence to be considered valid.
- How can I treat dementia?
  - How can I treat dementia?There are currently no treatments that can reverse cognitive decline brought on by dementia. However, there are approaches you can take that can help you fight symptoms and maintain your quality of life for as long as possible.
  - Medications approved to treat Alzheimer's diseaseThere are no treatments today that can cure Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are currently four medications, approved by Health Canada, that can treat symptoms of the disease. Learn about them on this page.
  - What is aducanumab?Aducanumab is the newest and most promising clinical treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in nearly two decades. Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about aducanumab below.
  - Alternative treatments for dementiaThere are other ways to treat dementia that don't involve taking medications. However, it's important to know which alternative treatments have the evidence that proves that they are effective.
  - Potential treatments for dementiaLearn about the rigorous process to get a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia approved and available for the public.
  - Cannabis and the treatment of dementiaWhile there is ongoing promising research on the effects of cannabis, there is currently no evidence that cannabis is useful for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
  - The risk of using antipsychotic medications to treat dementiaThe Alzheimer Society recommends that antipsychotics only be used as a last resort to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, especially in older adults. Instead, person-centred care is recommended as a first measure.
- Stigma against dementia
  - Stigma against dementiaStigma is one of the biggest barriers for people living with dementia to live fully with dignity and respect. Help us fight stigma by learning more about its effects and taking steps to reduce its impact.
  - What does stigma against dementia look like?Stigma not only hurts people living with dementia, it discourages their families from confiding in others or getting the support they need. On this page, learn how to recognize stigma against dementia.
  - How Canadians perceive dementiaMany Canadians acknowledge that people living with dementia regularly experience many forms of stigma. But there is still more work to be done to reduce stigma. Understand the results from our most recent Awareness Survey.
  - Myths and realities of dementiaMyths and misconceptions about Alzheimer's disease and dementia abound – what it is, who gets it, and how it affects the people who have it. These myths stand in the way of understanding the disease and helping those affected.
  - 10 easy ways to fight stigma against dementiaFighting stigma is easier than you think. Learn how you can make a positive impact on the lives of people living with dementia.
  - Alzheimer's Awareness MonthJanuary is Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Canada. Learn what that means and how you can get involved.
- About dementiaIn this section, learn more about dementia, including its most common type (Alzheimer's disease), other types of dementia and evidence-based recommendations on preventing and treating the disease.
Help and support
- Find your Society
- Programs and services
  - Programs and servicesThe Alzheimer Society can help you face dementia. Use this page as your guide to find support programs, dementia education and resources, referral services and more.
  - First Link^®You are not alone. For people living with dementia, the Alzheimer Society is your first link to a community of caring, support, knowledge and more.
  - Find supportWith programs and services available across Canada, the Alzheimer Society supports people with dementia, their families, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
- Dementia resources
  - Dementia resourcesLooking for more information on dementia? Get brochures, videos, our recommendations for assistive products and more.
  - National resource libraryBrowse our resource library to learn more about dementia. We cover a wide range of topics and audiences.
  - Managing through COVID-19Dementia doesn’t stop and neither do we. To get you through these difficult times, we have developed these helpful resources.
  - Shopping for assistive productsAssistive devices can help individuals perform a task that they might otherwise be unable to do, or simply make the task easier and safer to perform.
  - Dementia information in Hindi, Chinese and other languagesHindi, Mandarin and Cantonese are some of the most-spoken languages in Canada. Find essential facts about dementia in multiple languages here.
  - Video resourcesThese videos can help you understand more about dementia, know what to expect and how to provide dementia care.
  - Dementia Talks! CanadaA new digital discussion series that centers the conversation on dementia, with researchers and people with lived experience sharing their stories, tips and insights.
- I'm living with dementia
  - I'm living with dementiaOur mission is to support you. The Alzheimer Society can provide you with the information and resources to help you manage your diagnosis, assert your rights, live well with dementia, plan for your future and more.
  - First steps after diagnosisYou've likely been worried and anxious about the changes you're seeing in yourself. Now that you've been diagnosed, know that there are education and resources to support you. Learn the first steps to living well with dementia.
  - Talking about your diagnosisIf you've just been diagnosed with dementia, you may need some time before sharing the news – or you may want to talk about it right away. However your approach, this page can help you with strategies for communication.
  - Managing the changes in your abilitiesDementia impacts your cognitive, emotional, physical and social abilities. Understand how these changes can affect you, and know how you can prepare and adjust accordingly to live well with dementia.
  - Living well with dementiaA diagnosis of dementia does not mean your life is over. This section provides you with strategies to live well with dementia, along with tips and advice from other people who are living with dementia.
  - Planning for your futureAs your dementia progresses, it can become difficult to make choices about your care, finances and other important decisions. However, there are a number of things you can do now to ensure your wishes are communicated, heard and respected.
  - Sharing your experiencesThe Alzheimer Society works with people across the country to raise awareness of dementia and fight stigma. By sharing your voice, you can make that message stronger. We want to hear from you.
  - Your rights as a person living with dementiaAs a person living with dementia, the Charter can help you assert your rights to live free of stigma, benefit from all of Canada's civic and legal rights, participate in policies that affect you and more.
- I'm caring for a person living with dementia
  - I'm caring for a person living with dementiaUnderstanding dementia and its progression is vital to ensure that both you and the person with dementia can live as well as possible. We have the resources to support you and your care of the person living with dementia.
  - What to expect as the person's dementia progressesCaring for someone with dementia can be a great reward but it can be challenging at times. Prepare yourself by knowing what to expect.
  - Understanding symptomsDementia can affect the personality and behaviour of the person living with the disease. Learn more about understanding and responding to these changes associated with dementia.
  - Looking after yourselfProviding care for someone living with dementia takes a tremendous toll on the physical and emotional health of the primary caregiver, yet many caregivers often don't recognize the warning signs, or deny its effects on their health.
  - Providing day-to-day careYou want to make every day the best day possible. Caring for someone with dementia can be a great reward but it can be challenging at times. Prepare yourself with these tips.
  - Ensuring safety and securityDementia can affect a person’s physical abilities and mental acuity. Learn more about protecting yourself or a family member who has dementia.
  - Long distance caregivingToday, family members often live at some distance from each other. When a relative needs increasing support, caring from a distance presents additional and special problems.
  - Long-term careWhen a person living with dementia needs full time support, moving to a long-term care home may be the next step for you and your family.
  - End-of-life careThe needs of people with dementia at the end of life are unique and require special considerations. This section can help you prepare for end of life, make some of the difficult decisions you may face, and cope with the grief and loss you might experience
- I have a friend or family member who lives with dementia
  - I have a friend or family member who lives with dementiaSomeone you know – a partner, a parent, a sibling, a friend, a coworker – has dementia. What can you do to help? Learn more about dementia and how you can be dementia-friendly.
  - First steps for families after diagnosisKnowing the following tips may help make life easier and more enjoyable for you and the person living with dementia as well as to prepare for the future.
  - Understanding how your relationship may changeDementia can change many aspects of a relationship, but not the need for love and affection.
  - Communicating with people living with dementiaUnderstand how dementia affects communication and learn some useful tips and strategies for your conversations with people living with dementia as they progress through the stages of the disease.
  - Ways to helpFriends, neighbours and extended family are important sources of support for the family. Perhaps you want to help but don't know where to begin. This page will give you some ideas of how you can offer practical help and show that you care.
  - Managing ambiguous loss and griefThe issue of loss and grief is one of the most significant issues when supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers. Losses and grieving occur in different ways at all stages in the dementia caregiving journey.
  - Making meaningful visitsWhether you are visiting someone with dementia every day or just once in a while, making the most of your time together will mean a more meaningful visit for both of you!
  - Helping children understand dementiaDementia can be a hard concept for younger children to understand.
  - Helping teens understand dementiaWhat are some ways you can help your teenage daughter, son, niece, nephew or cousin understand dementia, especially if someone in the family is living with it? Try out the suggestions listed on this page.
  - Holidays and special occasionsFor some of us, holidays or other special life events can be stressful, particularly if you are a caregiver or a person living with dementia. Unfamiliar places, large groups of people, noise and a hectic pace can create a lot of anxiety.
- I'm a healthcare provider
  - I'm a healthcare providerLearn more about dementia and how you can ensure quality person-centred care for people living with the disease.
  - Providing person-centred careFostering a person-centred approach to care will improve the quality of care for people with dementia and their families.
  - Person-centred care of people with dementia living in care homesThe Alzheimer Society of Canada looked for evidence-based research that shows how to successfully implement person-centred programs and practices in long-term care homes. Here is the result.
  - Diagnosis and screeningTools for healthcare professionals to support dementia screening, assessment and early diagnosis.
  - First Link® for healthcare providersUnderstand the First Link® program and know the steps to refer a person newly diagnosed with dementia to their local Alzheimer Society.
  - Addressing ambiguous loss and grief as a healthcare providerPractical resources to help healthcare professionals understand loss and grief associated with dementia.
  - Professional developmentA selection of training and e-learning modules as well as useful resources.
  - Other resources and tools for healthcare providersGet resources on driving, pain, dementia research, self-management, long-term care and more.
- I'm a first responder
- I'm a financial professional
- Help and supportWhether you want to learn more about the programs and services we offer, or find dementia-related information specific to your needs, the Alzheimer Society has the education and resources to help you.
Take action
- Donate
  - Donate
  - Donate onlineDonate now to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. You can make a one-time gift, give monthly or give in memory or tribute.
  - Donate monthlySign up for our Monthly Giving program. With your monthly gift, you can help over half a million Canadians who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
  - Leave a gift in your WillLearn about the benefits of leaving a gift in your will, and get information and resources to help your legal and financial planning.
  - Make a gift of stockA donation of publicly traded securities is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can support the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
- Fundraise and participate
  - Fundraise and participateThere are plenty of ways to get involved! Learn more about how you can raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
  - The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer'sWhen you participate in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's, you join thousands of Canadians who want to see a world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
  - Create your own fundraiserLearn about how to create your own fundraising event that can raise funds for the Alzheimer Society and support people living with dementia, caregivers and families.
- Volunteer
- Become dementia-friendly
  - Become dementia-friendlyBy understanding the everyday experiences of people living with dementia, you can better accommodate their needs and help them live well. Becoming dementia-friendly will make a direct impact on the people living with dementia in your community.
  - Dementia-Friendly CanadaBy the end of the decade, almost one million Canadians will live with dementia. The impact of dementia is and will continue to be felt across all borders, sectors and cultures. We must act and build a dementia-friendly Canada now.
  - Meaningful engagement of people living with dementiaMeaningful engagement is a person-centred approach that encourages and invites people living with dementia to participate in an organization's work with purpose and interest. By practicing meaningful engagement, you can benefit from people living with dem
  - Using person-centred languageThe Alzheimer Society has developed language guidelines for anyone who lives with, supports, or works with a person living with dementia or caregiver. These guidelines can help you promote consistent, respectful language around dementia.
- Change minds
  - Change mindsLearn how you can help us raise awareness and fight stigma against dementia in Canada.
  - Our Advisory Group of People with Lived Experience of DementiaBy drawing on their personal stories of living with or supporting people with dementia, our members can share their voices to change how dementia is understood and treated in Canada.
  - Alzheimer's Awareness MonthJanuary is Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Canada. Learn what that means and how you can get involved.
  - Race and dementiaAt the Alzheimer Society of Canada, we work to change the lives of those living with dementia. However, we need to do more to combat systemic oppression. Here is how we are changing.
  - The Canadian Charter of Rights for People with DementiaAs a person living with dementia, the Charter can help you assert your rights to live free of stigma, benefit from all of Canada's civic and legal rights, participate in policies that affect you and more.
  - Canada's national dementia strategyLearn more about Canada's first ever-national dementia strategy and the importance of having it fully funded.
  - #ilivewithdementiaTake a moment to hear the stories of people living with dementia, caregivers and families. You'll quickly see that it's not an "old person's disease."
- Share your experiences
- Take actionYou can help people living with dementia – it's easy! Through your Alzheimer Society, learn how to get involved through donating, fundraising, advocating, volunteering and more!
Research
- The Alzheimer Society Research Program
  - The Alzheimer Society Research ProgramOn this page, learn more about the Alzheimer Society Research Program, including funding opportunities for researchers, when applications open and highlights from previous ASRP funded research.
  - Apply to the Alzheimer Society Research ProgramFind out how to apply to the latest Research Competition and get guidelines and tips for applying.
  - Latest funding resultsCheck out the projects and the researchers that received funding from the Alzheimer Society Research Program in the 2022 Research Competition.
  - Funding results historySee the past ASRP-funded projects that advanced dementia research in Canada, sorted by year.
  - The ASRP ExchangeThe ASRP Exchange is a webinar series that features innovative, cutting-edge researchers funded through the Alzheimer Society Research Program.
  - ASRP supported conferencesLearn about the conferences on dementia research that the Alzheimer Society Research Program supports every year.
  - The role of Citizen Reviewers in dementia researchCitizen reviewers are people with lived experience of dementia that provide vital insight on how the Alzheimer Society prioritizes dementia research. Learn more about this important role and how you can become a citizen reviewer.
- 10 priorities for dementia research in Canada
- Meet our researchers
  - Meet our researchersRecipients of the Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) and other dementia researchers tell us about their projects, their inspirations and how their work can help people living with dementia and caregivers in Canada.
  - Indigenous female caregivers' experiences for a loved one with memory lossIn this video presentation, researcher Dr. Danielle Alcock, member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, talks about storytelling in the lives of female Indigenous caregivers supporting a loved one with memory loss.
- Participate in research
- Information for researchers
  - Information for researchersAre you a researcher currently funded by the Alzheimer Society Research Program, or interested in applying? Get all the information and resources you need in this section.
  - Apply to the Alzheimer Society Research ProgramFind out how to apply to the latest Research Competition and get guidelines and tips for applying.
  - How ASRP funding gets determinedIn 2020, the Alzheimer Society Research Program received over 200 applications. Understand the process that determines which research projects among the final applicants receive funding.
  - Find participants for your studyThrough the Alzheimer Society Research Portal, you can get connected to people living in Canada who want to do their part in advancing dementia research – and want to participate in a study like yours!
  - Report forms for currently funded researchersFill out and submit your progress and final reports, as well as your conference evaluation form.
- Reports on dementia
- ResearchResearch moves us forward. Your support will get us closer to life-altering treatments, better care and cures for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
What's happening
- What's happeningGet the latest news about dementia, read the stories of people with lived experience and find out about events happening across Canada and near you.
About us
- Our vision, mission and values
- Our impact
- Our people
  - Our peopleThe staff, volunteers and board of the Alzheimer Society of Canada are strongly committed to supporting people living with dementia, their caregivers and their families. In this section, learn more about the people that make up this organization.
  - Board of DirectorsThe Alzheimer Society of Canada's Board of Directors consists of individuals from across Canada, including a member from each provincial Alzheimer Society.
  - Our executive teamMeet the people at the Alzheimer Society of Canada who are leading our work toward a world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
  - Join our teamInterested in working for the Alzheimer Society of Canada? Find out what our current career opportunities are on this page.
- Our partners and supporters
- Annual reports and finances
- National statements
- The Alzheimer Society Federation
- The history of the Alzheimer Society
- Career opportunities
- About usLearn more about the role and values of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, including our history of supporting Canadians living with dementia, the impact we are making today and our vision for the future.

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How can I treat dementia?

There are currently no treatments that can reverse cognitive decline brought on by dementia. However, there are approaches you can take that can help you fight symptoms and maintain your quality of life for as long as possible.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider

Before taking any treatment or product, including natural health products, ask your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider the following questions:

What are the potential benefits or results of taking this product?
Are there any alternatives to the treatment offered?
How safe and effective is this product?
Are there any risks taking this product?

Stay in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss any side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you ensure you're receiving the most effective treatment as the disease progresses. That way, you can live as healthily and comfortably as possible.

Read on to learn about the medications approved to treat Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, as well as alternative and potential treatments and the risks of using antipsychotic medications.

You can also check out and download our print-friendly brochure that lists the treatment options that are available to you.