Demystifying Dementia

Price: $20.00

Demystifying Dementia

by Susan Hart

Demystifying Dementia by Susan Hart is an excellent user-friendly resource on the basics of normal aging and dementia. She introduces us to the person behind the disease and the disease process. She provides practical tools that put the person first and stress the use of humour, respect and empathy. This is a great resource for frontline workers, family members and caregivers involved with people experiencing dementia. A glossary has been included as well as excellent information on the nervous system, assessment tools and an excellent list of Internet addresses for further information.

– Penny Hubbert, Project Manager, The Regional Psychogeriatric & Mental Health Consulting Services

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading form of progressive dementia, as approximately 65% of all people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada.

Within the past 10 years the Alzheimer Society of York Region has contributed more than $625,000 towards research into finding a cause and cure for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

One in every 11 Canadians over the age of 65 and 1 in every 3 over the age of 85 are living with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.

Right now, Alzheimer’s affects more than 160,000 Ontarians over the age of 65. By the end of 2009, this number will increase to 184,416. Aging baby boomers and longer life expectancy rates will help fuel the Alzheimer’s crisis.

For every person affected by Alzheimer’s disease, 10 to 12 others are directly impacted. These include caregivers such as family members, friends and neighbours; employers and healthcare workers.

Currently, Alzheimer’s disease costs Ontario taxpayers $7 billion a year. Unless changes are made to funding research and developing community services and programs, Alzheimer’s disease will overwhelm Ontario’s health care system.