Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County

Your Society:Simcoe CountyChange Your Society

Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County
20 Anne Street South, P.O. Box 1414
Barrie, Ontario L4M 5R4

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Phone:705-722-1066

Email:[email protected]

Provincial Societies:

705-722-1066

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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.
  - Common questions about dementiaGet the answers to the most common questions about dementia.
  - 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.
- 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.
  - 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 dementiaAlzheimer'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.
  - 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.
  - 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.
  - 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.
  - Young-onset dementiaWhen symptoms of dementia start before the age of 65, we use the term "young onset dementia."
  - 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.
- What to expect as the person's dementia progresses
- 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 prevent dementia?
  - How can I prevent dementia?The most effective way to prevent Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is to minimize the risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices that benefit both your body and brain.
  - 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.
- Looking after yourself
- 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.
  - 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.
- Understanding symptoms
- Providing day-to-day care
- 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.
  - 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.
  - 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.
  - 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.
- Ensuring safety and security
- Long distance caregiving
- Long-term care
- End-of-life care
- First steps for families after diagnosis
- Understanding how your relationship may change
- Communicating with people living with dementia
- Ways to help
- Managing ambiguous loss and grief
- Making meaningful visits
- Helping children understand dementia
- Helping teens understand dementia
- Holidays and special occasions
- Providing person-centred care
- Person-centred care of people with dementia living in care homes
- Diagnosis and screening
- Making a referral with First Link®
- Addressing ambiguous loss and grief as a healthcare provider
- Professional development
- Other resources and tools for healthcare providers
- National resource library
- Information in other languages
- Managing through COVID-19
  - Managing through COVID-19
  - COVID-19 tips for caregivers
  - COVID-19 tips for people living alone with dementia
  - The COVID-19 and Dementia Task ForceThe Alzheimer Society has convened a team of leading researchers, clinicians and dementia specialists from across the country.
- Shopping for assistive products
- Video resources
- First steps after diagnosis
- Talking about your diagnosis
- Managing the changes in your abilities
  - 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.
  - Helpful routines and remindersMemory loss can be difficult to cope with and frustrating. However, there are strategies that you can use to help you manage your memory problems and help you stay independent for as long as possible.
  - Communication challenges and helpful strategiesIt's not uncommon to experience changes in your communication abilities. Even though these challenges will arise, it's important to remember that communication remains possible at every stage of the disease. These strategies will help.
  - Managing emotions and the stress of living with dementiaLiving with dementia is not easy. You will go through a variety of emotions – and that's normal. This page provides strategies used by people living with dementia that can help you handle the emotional toll that dementia can bring.
  - How your intimate relationships can changeEveryone has a need for companionship and physical intimacy – people living with dementia are no different. Learn how the changes brought on by dementia can affect your intimate needs and relationships.
  - Driving with dementiaDoes a diagnosis of dementia mean you have to stop driving? On this page, learn how to manage one of the toughest decisions you may face as as a person living with dementia in the early stage.
- Living 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.
  - Challenging your brainWork out your brain! Exercising your mind daily can keep your brain stimulated and help slow the progression of dementia into the later stages.
  - Following a healthy dietMake healthy food choices! It not only improves your general health; in the long-term, nutritious food helps maintain your brain function and slows cognitive decline.
  - Helping others live well with dementiaBy speaking out and sharing what helps you live well with dementia, you can help other people who live with dementia. Learn more about becoming an advocate, finding meaningful engagement and joining a support group in your community.
  - Living safely and independentlyMany people live alone. Living in a place that is safe, familiar and comfortable can help you live well with dementia. Having dementia presents challenges for your safety, but there are things you can do to manage the risks.
  - Staying physically activeBe active! Your physical fitness helps your brain fitness.
  - Staying socially connectedStay connected! Having an active social life can reduce your stress, brighten your mood and keep your relationships strong.
- Planning for your future
- 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.
Take action
- Donate
- Fundraise and participate
- 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.
  - Alzheimer's Awareness MonthJanuary is Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Canada. Learn what that means and how you can get involved.
  - Canada's national dementia strategyLearn more about Canada's first ever-national dementia strategy and the importance of having it fully funded.
  - 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.
  - Dementia Journey SurveyThe Alzheimer Society of Canada, in partnership with the College of Family Physicians of Canada, is asking you to participate in this 20-minute survey to help us understand your experience with the care you receive from your family physician.
- Share your experiences
- Take actionThrough monetary donations, supporting our fundraising events or by volunteering your time and skills, you can make a significant and lasting impact for people living with dementia, families and care partners.
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.
  - Latest funding resultsWe're pleased to announce the following 2020 grants and awards for the Alzheimer Society Research Program, funding Canadian researchers in the field of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, in the following areas of research.
  - Funding results historySee the past ASRP-funded projects that advanced dementia research in Canada, sorted by year.
- 10 priorities for dementia research in Canada
- Meet our researchers
- 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 ProgramInterested in applying to the latest ASRP Research Competition? On this page, learn what to know before applying, when to apply and get answers to frequently asked questions about submissions, awards and grants.
  - 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.
- Latest research news
- 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
- News and stories
- Upcoming Events in Simcoe County
- What's happening
About us
- Values and guiding principles
- Our people
  - Our peopleMeet some of the people working to create a kinder, more inclusive and supportive place for people living with dementia and see how you can join our team.
  - Board of DirectorsOur Board of Directors is integral to the work that we do. Learn about the people behind the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County.
  - Key staffOur staff members are the brains of the operation. Learn about the people behind the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County.
  - Career opportunitiesWe believe in a world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias! Consider joining our team.
- Annual reports and finances
- National statements
- The Alzheimer Society Federation
- About usThe Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County is dedicated to providing help for people living with dementia, and their care partners. We offer programs and services in communities right across Simcoe County.
Programs and services
- Education Programs and Resources
  - Education Programs and ResourcesEducation is integral to our role in raising dementia awareness. Learn more about the education programs currently offered.
  - First Link® Learning Series
  - Information packagesInformation packages are one of the most effective ways of dispensing information related to Alzheimer's and other related dementias.
  - Public awareness in Simcoe CountyDementia awareness education is crucial to rallying public support. Learn about our public education series.
  - Workshops and PresentationsWorkshops and presentations for family and friends of a person living with dementia
- Social / Recreational Programs
  - Social / Recreational ProgramsStaying socially, physically and cognitively active help maintain our brain health and are important strategies to live well with dementia.
  - The Good Day Cafe & Social Luncheons
  - Minds in Motion^®Minds in Motion is a social welfare program for people living with dementia and their care partners.
- Support Programs & Services
  - Support Programs & ServicesSupport groups are integral to making life with dementia more manageable and creating important community ties.
  - First Link Care Navigation
  - Support Groups
  - Supportive Counselling
- First Link^®
- MedicAlert^® Safely Home^®
- Living Safely with Dementia
- 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.

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