Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behaviour. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. These functions include memory, language skills, visual perception, problem-solving, self-management, and the ability to focus and pay attention. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change. The rate at which the disease progresses is different for everyone, but on average, people with Alzheimer’s live for eight years after symptoms begin. While there are currently no treatments to stop Alzheimer’s disease from progressing, there are medications to treat dementia symptoms.