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THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Novomb.r 27, 1996-11
Story and photos
by Gregor Campbell
Alzheimer Disease
"You can't fight it alone"
"ALZHEIMER DISEASE? IT'S VERY RARE, ISN'T IT?"
A surprising number of us don't know. very much at all
about Alzheimer Disease. Yet, over 300,000 Canadians
are afflicted with Alzheimer Disease. And, with the
aging of our 'baby boom' population, these numbers
are escalating. The odds of being touched by
Alzheimer Disease, either directly or indirectly, have
become very real. It's up to us to understand
Alzheimer Disease now and, more importantly, to know
how to deal with it.
"IT'S A HEARTBREAKING EXPERIENCE TO WATCH A
RESPONSIBLE, INTELLIGENT PERSON DETERIORATE
IT JUST TEARS YOU APART."
I'he earliest signs of Alzheimer Disease are memory
loss and confusion, along with changes that take place
in personality, mood, and behaviour. It gradually
progresses. Eventually, 24-hour care will become
necessary and, possibly, institutionalization.
"YOU'RE, IN FACT, WATCHING SOMEBODY DIE SLOWLY
RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES... SOMEBODY YOU LOVE."
There is no known cure, nor is there any medical test,
other than autopsy, to definitively diagnose the
disease. But there is help for both the patients and
their families. Individuals can undergo a series of
medical tests to help to determine whether symptoms
are related to Alzheimer Disease or not. Should a
probable diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease be made, the
Alzheimer Society is there to help.
SOC;ETE OU CANADA
For more information contact
(519) 482-1482
ALZHEIMER DISEASE
IS SERIOUS
If you or any family members have the
following behavioral problems:
- memory impairment
- impaired insight and judgement
- suspiciousness/paranoia
- communication problems
- aggression
CONTACT YOUR FAMILY
PHYSICIAN
Seaforth Medical Clinic
28 Centennial Dr., Seaforth
527-1770
SHAWN EDWARDS. M.D.
KENNTH J. RODNEY, M.D.
HEATHER PERCIVAL, M.p.
DAN ROOYAKKERS, M.D.
ALAN KOSARIC. M.D.
MARK P. WOLONIK. M.D.
DR. JANET ZETTEL. M.D.
DR. SUSAN NORTON