To the Editor:
What if you knew that you, a family member or friend might be living with dementia, but you didn't know for sure? Where would you turn for help? Would you know what questions to ask your doctor?
The reality is that only 20-50 per cent of people with dementia actually receive a diagnosis. Stopping people from getting answers are things like the stigma associated with dementia, the belief that memory problems are just a normal part of aging, or that nothing can be done to help people who are diagnosed, their family and caregivers.
With no diagnosis, individuals and their families live with the disease not fully understanding the changes happening or knowing where they can find support.
This Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is encouraging you to learn more about the warning signs and the steps to getting a diagnosis as early as possible. A diagnosis of a dementia such as Alzheimer's disease can be devastating, but it can also bring relief and it serves as a gateway to accessing services.
Getting that diagnosis helps you and your family understand the source and reason for the symptoms being experienced. A diagnosis can also link you to organizations like the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan who can provide you with information, education and support during every stage of this disease.
If you're unsure about where to begin when getting a diagnosis, the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan will be with you every step along the way. They can: Help you identify if the symptoms you're experiencing could be dementia; Prepare you for your doctor's visit; Provide individual and group support for the person with dementia, their caregiver and family; Connect you to other community agencies and services to help you live better with dementia.
The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is taking the steps to ensure that people throughout the province have access to their services. With Resource Centres in Regina, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Swift Current and Weyburn, more people can access their services in their local community. Anywhere in Saskatchewan, the Alzheimer Society can provide support through their toll-free Dementia Helpline and educational opportunities are available through Telehealth.
We want to make sure that people in Saskatchewan are provided with the support and tools to live better with dementia, wherever they live and wherever they are in the disease process, diagnosed or undiagnosed.
No one expects dementia to be part of their life plan, but a diagnosis can help families and individuals take control of their lives, plan for the future, and make the best of a tough situation.
This Alzheimer Awareness Month, take the first steps towards a diagnosis: Know the 10 Warning Signs and your risk factors; Contact the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan; Talk to your doctor or health care provider and encourage them to refer you to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.
Visit www.alzheimer.ca/sk or call the Dementia Helpline (1-800-263-3367) today.
The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.
