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The BannerThe Era WELLNESS Jan A3 Penny Cryer and daughter right leaf through a photo album in their Richmond Hill hoi Dirty disease exacts heavy toll Judi and Catherine dont have to read a report released this week by the Alzheimer Society reveal ing alarming new statistics about the projected economic and social costs of dementia in Canada already know the price the disease exacts In Ms mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease the leading form of progressive dementia After five vears the former hospital employee took early retire ment to be principal caregiver Today Ms and her mom share a Richmond Mill apartment Before her diagnosis my mother was a healthy vibrant woman she said There were signs but 1 didnt pick up on them The first was her going through her purse not know ing what she was looking for Then she couldnt remember her age She became very forgetful Shes now on a cocktail of medicauons and is in third stage of 1 just couldnt leave her alone She didnt want any other caregiver I 247 With one in every 1 Canadians older than 65 and one in every three older than living with Alzheim ers disease or a related disorder Ms Kurek isnt alone although many feel that way The dirty disease that knows no age as defined by Ms Kurek is only too well known to Ms ONeil With two children younger than three her husband was diagnose I with Alzheimers In three and half years later he died There were signs but we never expected something so tragic she said He had to leave work Iliere was forget fulness and extreme indif ference Itwas so out of character He lost his ability to talk We need to develop a comprehensive dementia strategy Beyond the heart wrenching impact of seeing loved ones suffer the progressive degenerative dis ease that destroys vital brain cells die two Richmond Hill women are linked to the Alzheimer Society of York Region The agencys mission Is to allevi ate the personal and social conse quences of Alzheimers disease and related dementias and to promote research It offers familycentred ser vices advocacy education and fund- raising Ms Kureks mother is enrolled in the societys DAY Daycare for Alzheimers in York program a social day care program for persons with dementia residing in York Its absolutely marvelous Its a relief for so many people Ms Reluctant at first her mother found the welcoming WANT MORE for every person affected by disease to 1 others are directly impacted including family members friends and neighbours employers and health care workers Approximately per cent of all people with dementia have Alzheimer disease Alzheimer s disease costs Ontario tax payers billion a year Unless changes are made to funding research and developing community services and programs the disease will overwhelm Ontanos health care system is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada to her liking and now spends week days from to pin at the society guided Ms Neil through her darkest daw were terrific she said ITiev gave me the means io understand this progressive disease They are a genuine caring group who gave me support there and at home I wouldnt have been able to get through it without dents vaiidaung are welcomed by affable executive tor whose Alzheimer Society of York Region approaches I Alzheimer Society says nearly 25000 cases expected by service in the regions Still in the wake of Rising tide Impact of on Carta Society the launched to mark as Month theres a long road taken during the io of dementia will double with the costs iiu leasing tenfold the repon states Hie projections for dementia in York Region are equally alarming Mr said citing central Local Health Integration Networks coverage area If nothing changes number ol individuals living with demenua in York Region will to about 2490Ub Ihe reason for the upsurge he said is a growing and aging popula tion a demographic susceptible to dementia disorders Recognizing the urgent sun turning the tide of dementia the report also outlines a of potential strategies mat luuld help minimize the unpad of the disease One of which includes studying the benefits of delaying demenua onset in people by two with a potential cost savings of more than l billion nationally over a year vj though theres no cure yet theres hope Medical research has made advancements mitigating symptoms Healthy lifestyles and other preventative measures are being promoted still die repon is a call to Mr said We need to develop a compre- dementia strategy involv ing more research and services and people taking on a preventative health lifestyle she said Its cur able and wen- extremely positive about advances being made With political will well be to get then- sooner status quo is m leplibli Awareness is essential Ms keep spreading the word she said Its not just a disease of the Contro of yourself and stay focused on your goals by using the power of your mind Hypnosis Works Lose weight Quit smoking Reduce stress Feel good Special Boxing Week Purchases Overstocks Factory 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