Neurologist, Neuropsychologist, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Assistant Professor – McGill University Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
The human component is essential in our work. A proper diagnosis helps us provided families with quality support, talk about their future and the available services. Research is advancing rapidly. Alzheimer’s can now be detected early thanks to biomarkers.
Do you know the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
Read our fact sheet on 10 warning signs by clicking here.
Learn more about the risk factors and how to mitigate them through the Never too early, never too late campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International. Click here to learn more.
When you’re diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to plan for the future. Read this article from the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Caregiver
The positive effects of this network lead to a moment of rest and mutual support. Having proper support and access to state-of-the-art care and services alleviates the personal and social toll of the disease.
There are many resources available. Here are some of them:
Gériatre et interniste, CHUM, Présidente sortante de la Société Québécoise de Gériatrie, Responsable clinique cognition, CHUM
Au-delà de poser un diagnostic, être gériatre signifie aussi accompagner les patients et leur famille pour tous les enjeux qui peuvent suivre le diagnostic. Le souci du bien-être de la personne et de ceux qui l’entourent est au cœur de notre approche.
L’approche multidisciplinaire est aussi centrale que le travail du gériatre. Un diagnostic de trouble neurocognitif comme la maladie d’Alzheimer est une nouvelle qui peut être empreinte d’émotion. Patients et proches ont souvent besoin d’accompagnement dès les premiers moments. Grâce à l’intervention d’un infirmier, d’un travailleur social, d’un ergothérapeute ou d’autres intervenants, qui travaillent de concert avec le médecin, les patients et leur famille peuvent obtenir des soins et des services pour bien les soutenir.
Over 40 million people around the world are living with an undiagnosed neurocognitive disorder. [Source]
MoCA helps us catch neurocognitive disorders early. It’s currently the most recommended method for diagnosing neurocognitive disorders as early as possible. Your family physician is your best ally in this situation. They can provide reassurance about your cognitive health and request more tests if needed.
A new cognitive self-assessment is now available: XpressO MoCA. For more information, go to http://mocaclinic.ca/en/.
Young caregiver
“Alzheimer’s has brought us together in a way I never thought possible. Music is one of the ways we chose to focus on to connect with each other. It’s very important in our lives. It helps us connect, communicate and understand one another. While being a caregiver isn’t always easy, I can now say that Alzheimer’s has brought me closer to my father. We share precious moments together.” At the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, we have a variety of support groups where caregivers and the people they care for can find personalized support. All the activities we offer for pairs let caregivers and their loved ones share sweet and gentle moments together. Learn about our program by clicking here.
Neuropsychologist, Full Professor, Department of Medicine at Université de Montréal, Researcher and Director of EPIC Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal.
According to the SYNERGIC trial (link in French only) conducted in partnership with five universities across Canada, adopting a healthy lifestyle could delay the onset of neurocognitive disorders by 30%.
Acting on modifiable risk factors means taking back control over your health. In fact, the trial recommends a combination of physical activity and cognitive training three times a week to slow down the progression of neurocognitive disorders.
Learn more about modifiable risk factors here.
Participants at the permanent activity center of the Alzheimer Society of Montreal
The Sawaya family loves the person-centred approach from the many stimulation and respite activities the Alzheimer Society of Montreal’s permanent activity center offers.
There are many challenges in caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s. For the Sawayas, the involvement of all family members fosters a lot of hope, support and positivity.
Learn more about the activities offered by the Alzheimer Society of Montreal by clicking here.
Healthy habits are an integral part of a rich and balanced life. Senior-friendly physical activities are at the core of our person-centred approach. To make exercise part of your lifestyle, it needs to match to your abilities. Make sure fun is at the heart of the activity you choose!
Clinical nurse, Specialist in neurocognitive disorders, Adult educator and clinical mentor, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
In response to an increase in major neurocognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease, the Government of Quebec adopted a strategy called Plan ministériel sur la maladie d’Alzheimer et les TNCM (troubles neurocognitifs majeurs).
As part of the plan, across the province resource persons like Julie are helping their healthcare colleagues better understand major neurocognitive disorders, or MND.
They’re becoming clinical mentors for healthcare teams, sharing evidence and best practices for providing MND care and support.
These mentors become allies to people living with an MND and their loved ones, who consequently receive a higher quality of care and better user support services. They also benefit from better collaboration between all community and public stakeholders involved in their journey.
Read the strategy by clicking here (in French only).
MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE OCCURRENCE OF DEMENTIA
We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of the personal information we collect during our activities. For more details, click here.
Photo credit: benoitlegault.ca – All rights reserved © Alzheimer Society of Montreal