Women represent 72 per cent of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer Society is kicking off Alzheimer awareness month with a nationwide campaign called “the 72%”.
It aims to inform women 40 and older about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, brain health and how the Alzheimer Society can help.
Women live longer than men and age is a significant risk factor. That is why there are more women living with the disease than men.
Yet the impact on women is twofold. They also account for 70% of family caregivers, which takes a tremendous toll on these women who eventually provide round-the-clock care. The burden is especially high for women raising families and holding down jobs.
“We want to let our community know about the impact Alzheimer’s disease can have on women’s lives, both as care partners and as persons living with dementia,” said Jennifer Gillies, executive director of the Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington.
“We want women to know that we are able to provide them with the support that they need throughout their journey, whether they have been diagnosed or are caring for someone with dementia.”
Take a moment
to know the signs
Warning signs, often misunderstood or ignored, are critical. In absence of a cure, early diagnosis allows for treatment and support so people can live as well as possible and start planning for their future needs.
“Women play a key role in the health of their families. We have resources available to help them understand Alzheimer’s disease and the warning signs so they can be informed and better prepared,” adds Gillies.
The Alzheimer Society invites all Canadians, including women, to visit www.alzheimer.ca/the72percent to take a moment and learn the warning signs and share them with friends and families on Facebook and Twitter.
They can also read the stories of others living with Alzheimer’s disease and post their own experiences.
Visitors will also be able to download other helpful resources and find their local Alzheimer Society.
Alzheimer’s disease facts
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading form of dementia. It is progressive and eventually fatal. Today, 747,000 Canadians are living with some form of dementia, with over 10,000 living in the Waterloo-Wellington region.
This number will nearly double to 1.4 million in less than 20 years. For every person diagnosed, there are many who are affected as caregivers.
The risk of dementia doubles every five years after age 65. Accumulating evidence shows the disease can lie dormant in the brain up to 25 years before symptoms appear.
Common warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss; impaired judgment, thinking or reasoning; and changes in personality and behaviour that are out of character.
Other risks factors include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking.
