Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s a frightening condition that all of us hope will never affect us or our families. But the reality is many families do have personal experiences with the disease and other dementias. More than 180,000 Ontarians now have Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to rise to 255,000 by 2020.

We all want to stay healthy for as long as possible. Perhaps that’s why a survey on Alzheimer’s found that more than half of 983 respondents said they waited for more than one year before seeing a doctor about symptoms. It’s understandable why people would want to deny they might have some degree of dementia. It’s far easier to tell ourselves that symptoms like memory loss or language difficulties are part of getting older.

Three quarters of those responding to the survey also said they wished they had sought an early diagnosis in order to get treatment and manage symptoms. The sooner you know for sure, the easier it will be for you and your family to plan for the future and spend quality time together.

We urge Ontario families to learn about the warning signs. Get the facts about Alzheimer’s to help you or a loved one stay active, independent and healthy longer.

Our Ontario government will also offer its assistance to families following a diagnosis:

• We are proud to support the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s First Link program which connects persons recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to support services. Simple changes around the home, such as grab bars in the shower, can help make the living environment safer for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
• Our Guide to Advance Care Planning provides seniors and their families with useful tips and information about planning for future care needs. The guide is available online at www.ontarioseniors.ca.
• Ontario’s new Healthy Home Tax Credit, if passed, would help ease the cost of making homes safer by providing a tax credit of up to $1,500 for up to $10,000 in renovations.
• Caregivers looking after a loved one with Alzheimer’s would also benefit from the provinces’ newly introduced Family Caregiver Leave Program. If passed, the program will provide unpaid job-protected leave of up to eight weeks per year to an employee to care for a sick or injured family member.

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. Let’s face it together. Get more tips and information, including a checklist for your doctor’s visit, at www.alzheimerletsfaceit.ca.