About Dementia

Dementia is an overall term for a group of symptoms that are caused by brain disorders.

Symptoms of dementia include:

  • Memory loss
  • Challenges with thinking and decision-making
  • Communication difficulties
  • Changes in mood and behaviour

These symptoms progressively become significant enough to affect daily life.

Many disorders or diseases can cause dementia:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Fronto-Temporal Lobe Dementia
  • Vascular Dementia (Multi-infarct)
  • Lewy Body Dementia
  • Parkinson’s Disease

Though the risk of dementia increases with age, dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is not limited only to senior citizens; young onset dementia is diagnosed in individuals who are under the age of 65.

To understand more about dementia, visit your local Alzheimer Society. You can find Alzheimer Societies in Canada at:
www.alzheimer.ca

As of March 31, 2018, more than 45,800 Albertans are living with dementia

(Alberta Health’s Population Estimates of Dementia in Alberta).