There are 316,600 people in Ontario living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and 4,000 of those people live in Prescott-Russell, Stormont-Dundas and Glengarry, and Akwesasne.

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario in Cornwall is attempting to raise awareness of the need for services to assist people with the disease and other forms of dementia across the region.

Education Coordinator Josee Desrochers-Leduc said destigmatization of Alzheimer’s and dementia continues to be a significant need, along with reducing the risk of the disease.

Desrochers-Leduc said Alzheimer’s and dementia are different conditions, but they are under the same general umbrella of diseases associated with changes in the brain.

“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia,” she said.

Other forms of dementia include Lewy Body, frontal/temporal, traumatic brain injury, and vascular.

“Now, we understand that brain changes are real,” remarked Desrochers-Leduc.

Dementia can also be caused by other diseases or conditions affecting a person, including infections and dehydration. Memory loss is most associated with dementia, but other aspects of a person’s cognitive function are more significantly affected, said Desrochers—Leduc.

“Dementia is not all about memory loss.”

An individual with dementia may still have a good memory, but their concept of place and time using that memory may be inaccurate or distorted.

Desrochers-Leduc said it is important for caregivers and family members to know what form of dementia someone in their life has so it can be given proper focus.

Desrochers-Leduc said there are 4,000 people living in the region served by the Cornwall branch whom medical doctors have confirmed have some form of dementia. She said many more people with dementia are probably living in the region, but their situations have not been properly addressed by medical professionals.

“Fifty per cent of people dealing with dementia do not have a clue they have it. Their brain is impaired,” Desrochers-Leduc said.

The Society offers support groups for people with dementia and their caregivers. For example, the Minds in Motion program is for people with early to mid-stage dementia and focuses on brain health and socialization. Day programs are also offered, along with respite and support groups for caregivers.

Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia can affect anyone at any age, even though they are generally associated with the elderly.

“It can be as early as 30 years old,” Desrochers-Leduc said.

Risk factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia include high blood pressure, isolation, a lack of exercise, and dehydration. The Alzheimer Society encourages individuals to pursue activities that promote physical activity, social interaction, challenge the brain, healthy eating, and reduce stress.

“The brain runs everything,” remarked Desrochers-Leduc.

For more information about the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall’s services and activities, go to https://alzheimer.ca/cornwall, or call 1-888-222-1445.