is now available at https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/documents/PHAC-A-dementia-strategy-for-Canada-2020-annual-report.pdf
The following are some excerpts from the report:
What is dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms affecting
brain function. It may be characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities
such as memory; planning; judgement; basic math skills; and awareness of
person, place and time. Dementia can also affect language, mood and behaviour,
and the ability to maintain activities of daily living.
Dementia may be caused by neurodegenerative diseases
(affecting nerve cells in the brain), vascular diseases (affecting blood
vessels like arteries and veins) and injuries. Types of dementia include vascular,
Lewy body, frontotemporal, Alzheimer’s disease and mixed. In rare instances,
dementia may be linked to infectious diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob
disease, or caused by injuries.
COVID-19 has created new challenges for people living
with dementia and caregivers and requires tailoring of responses to address
those needs. Some of the early challenges identified for people living with
dementia and caregivers include:
· Physical distancing may disproportionately
affect people living with dementia because they depend primarily on in-person
support, are extremely sensitive to disruptions to their daily routines, and
may have very low technological literacy to stay connected with friends and
family.
· Some people living with dementia may have
difficulties remembering safeguard procedures such as regularly and thoroughly
handwashing or understanding public health information and guidance, which
could expose them to a higher risk of infection.
· Given the recent occurrence of COVID-19,
there has not been adequate opportunity to assess the impacts of COVID-19 on people
living with dementia. However, 90 percent of those living with this condition
have at least one other chronic condition and nearly 20 percent have five or
more health conditions, which may increase their risk for severe symptoms and
death.
·
COVID-19 is placing enormous additional
pressure on family/friend caregivers who may already be feeling stretched and
stressed. Key caregiver challenges include:
§ Lack
of respite care and closures of day programs;
§ Concerns
about loved ones living in long-term care facilities;
§ Restrictions
on being able to see their loved ones who are living in facilities;
§ Moving
their loved ones temporarily back home to reduce the risk of transmission; and,
§ Juggling
children and work at home at the same time as continuing or increasing
caregiver responsibilities.
Factors affecting the risk of dementia.
There is growing persuasive scientific evidence that
healthy living throughout a lifetime may prevent or delay the onset of
dementia. Along with having healthy environments to live in, there are
individual health behaviours and other factors that can affect the chance of
developing dementia. This list outlines several of the factors identified.
Research is underway to further explore the links between the risk of developing
dementia, individual actions, and environmental surroundings.
From unhealthy to healthy behaviours:
Physical
inactivity Be
more active.
Harmful
alcohol use Reduce or
quit alcohol.
Smoking
in later life (over age 65) Reduce or
quit smoking.
Sleep
disturbances (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea) Taking
steps towards
sufficient
and better-quality sleep.
Management of these health conditions:
·
High blood pressure (hypertension)
·
Stroke, heart disease and other vascular
diseases (affecting blood vessels like arteries and veins)
·
Cholesterol levels
·
Diabetes
·
Obesity
Other factors:
·
Social isolation Social engagement and
inclusion
·
Lower levels of early life education More
years of childhood education
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