September is World Alzheimer’s Month
Jill Robson - Regional
director of Alzheimer’s SA in the Western Cape was Instudio to tell us more about Alzheimer’s disease. September is World Alzheimer’s Month. Statistics show that
alzheimer’s disease affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in 5 people over
the age of 80. This means that 20% of people over the age of 80 develop
dementia which by implication means that 80% do not. There are however
diagnosed and documented cases of early–onset dementia before the age of 65. Symptoms may include loss of memory, difficulty
in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying, difficulty
in performing previously routine tasks, personality and mood changes. Alzheimer’s disease
is not a normal part of ageing and knows no social, economic, ethnic or
geographical boundaries. Although individuals experience alzheimer’s disease in their own
way, eventually those affected are unable to care for themselves and need help
with all aspects of daily life since there is currently no cure. For more
information on alzheimer’s disease you can contact Jill on (021) 979 2724 or email jill.alzheimers@myconnection.co.za
alternatively visit www.alzheimers.org.za
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