
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting millions of people around the world. It’s a progressive condition that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult. In Canada alone, experts estimate that by 2031, over 1 million people will be living with Alzheimer’s.
At My Aide In Life, we’ve worked closely with clients who have different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. While there’s no cure yet, research shows that adopting certain habits can help reduce the risks or delay symptoms. From our experience, many of our clients—especially those in their mid-90s—share similar traits, such as staying active in both their careers and hobbies. This seems to align with the recommended strategies for brain health.
Habits That Can Help Protect Your Brain
Here are some simple yet powerful lifestyle changes that could make a difference:
Stay Active: Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Aim for 150 minutes a week (about 20 minutes a day) of moderate activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. Add some strength training a couple of times a week to keep your body and brain in sync.
Eat Well: A balanced diet packed with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts can do wonders for brain health. What’s good for your heart is often good for your brain!
Keep Your Mind Engaged: Challenge your brain by learning a new language, solving puzzles, reading, or socializing with friends. These activities help build cognitive resilience and keep your mind sharp.
Prioritize Sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy brain. Stick to a regular sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to manage stress and improve mental clarity.
Take Control of Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are known risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Keeping these under control can help lower your risk.
Say No to Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Quitting smoking and drinking in moderation aren’t just good for your body—they’re also great for your brain.
Why Early Detection Matters
Catching Alzheimer’s early makes a big difference. It allows people to make important decisions about their care, access treatments that may help manage symptoms, and prepare for the future. It also gives families and caregivers time to find support and resources to navigate what lies ahead.
Not Everything is Alzheimer’s
If someone’s behavior seems a little off, don’t jump to conclusions. There are other health issues that can mimic Alzheimer’s symptoms. Always check with a doctor before assuming it’s dementia.
UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections): Seniors often get UTIs, which can cause sudden confusion or changes in behavior. Luckily, they’re treatable with antibiotics.
Certain Medications: Some drugs, like anticholinergics, can mimic dementia symptoms. Always talk to your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.
Delirium from Hospital Stays or Anesthesia: Delirium can come on suddenly but is treatable if diagnosed early. Unlike dementia, it doesn’t develop gradually.
Falls and Head Injuries: Even minor bumps can cause serious cognitive issues. Always get checked out after a fall.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): This condition involves fluid buildup in the brain, leading to issues with walking, bladder control, and thinking. Early treatment can bring significant improvement.
Depression or Vitamin Deficiencies: Conditions like depression or low Vitamin B12 can cause symptoms similar to dementia. A thorough medical exam can help uncover the real issue.
Recognizing the Signs
In the early stages, Alzheimer’s symptoms can be subtle—difficulty concentrating, mood swings, or confusion (especially at night). As the disease progresses, signs become more pronounced, like paranoia, difficulty walking or swallowing, or changes in behavior.
While no single test can diagnose Alzheimer’s, doctors typically use a mix of memory assessments, cognitive tests, blood work, and brain scans. You can even try at-home tools like the SAGE or Mini-Cog test to get an idea of what might be going on.
A Personal Note
Alzheimer’s is a tough disease—not just for the person experiencing it but for their loved ones too. As a caregiver, I find it both intriguing and a bit scary. My sisters and I are preparing to face this journey with our mom, and we’re staying hopeful that researchers will find a cure soon.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or simply looking for guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out—help and support are always within reach. Navigating this disease can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Alzheimer Society Calgary at 403-290-0110 or visit their website at www.alzheimercalgary.ca.
For me, Alzheimer’s is not just something I encounter professionally; it’s a journey that continues to teach and shape me. The experiences I’ve gained, the stories I’ve heard, and the challenges I’ve witnessed have only touched the surface of my understanding of this complex disease.
I’ve leaned heavily on so many resources and combined them with personal training to equip myself to be the best Caregiver I can be. Every day, I strive to bring compassion, patience, and knowledge to the individuals and families I support.
Whether you’re just starting this journey or have been walking it for a while, know that there’s always room to learn, grow, and find connection. If you have questions or need someone to talk to, I’m here to help. Together, we can navigate this path with care and understanding.
Stay tuned for my next issue on Key strategies when communicating with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia.
Robyn Wilson
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