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FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
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I believe my wife has Alzheimer Disease. How can I get her to see her doctor?
If your wife is reluctant to see her doctor, this can be a tricky situation.
You might try one the following:
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Suggest she go for an annual check-up — she may be more comfortable getting an overall check-up than seeing the doctor for memory problems. Many symptoms that look like Alzheimer Disease can be caused by other treatable conditions, so it’s important to get a thorough assessment if you have concerns.
Contact the doctor’s office directly. Explain your concerns and ask if they will invite your wife in for a check-up. She might be more willing if the doctor suggests the appointment.
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My mother died with Alzheimer Disease and I’m worried that I might get it. Is it hereditary?
There are two types of Alzheimer Disease:
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Familial Autosomal Dominant (FAD) occurs in five to ten per cent of cases and has a genetic link. In order for FAD to occur, the disease needs to be apparent over several generations of one family.
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Sporadic Alzheimer Disease is more common (90-95 per cent) and people with this type may or may not have a family history of the disease. Our research pages give more information on this.
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Does a person die from Alzheimer Disease?
Alzheimer Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain where brain cells continue to die over time. There is no cure to stop the progression and eventually the body will shut down. People usually die of secondary infection, such as pneumonia.
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Can depression bring on symptoms like Alzheimer Disease?
Depression can have symptoms similar to Alzheimer Disease. It is important to see a doctor if any symptoms are present because often times the condition, such as depression, can be treated. See our list of the10 Warning Signs for more information.
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Can people get Alzheimer Disease in their 40s?
While most people get Alzheimer Disease after the age of 65, Alzheimer Disease can affect people under the age of 65. This is usually called “Early Onset Alzheimer Disease.”
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Is Alzheimer Disease the same as dementia?
Dementia is a set of symptoms that includes loss of memory, judgment and reasoning, and changes in mood and behaviour.
Alzheimer Disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 80 per cent of all dementias. Over time, Alzheimer Disease destroys vital nerve cells in the brain, causing irreversible damage and eventually death.
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How many people are affected by Alzheimer Disease in Canada?
It is estimated that 316,500 people in Canada have dementia and 202,560 have Alzheimer Disease. The number of people in Canada with dementia is expected to grow by the year 2031 to over 3/4 million people due to the aging population.
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