Almost 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss. Age-associated memory impairment is part of the natural process of aging. For most people, memory generally remains strong as they get older, and doesn't decline rapidly or substantively.
However, brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are different.
With
over half a million Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, chances are you know someone living with dementia.
Whether you're concerned for yourself or someone you care about, it's important to know the warning signs of dementia so you can ensure an early diagnosis.
Here are 10 of the most common warning signs for dementia:
1) Memory changes that affect day-to-day abilities
2) Difficulty doing familiar tasks
3) Changes in language and communication
4) Disorientation in time and place
5) Impaired judgment
6) Problems with abstract thinking
7) Misplacing things
8) Changes in mood, personality and behaviour
9) Loss of initiative
10) Challenges understanding visual and spatial information
While there are some risk factors you cannot control for dementia, such as age and genetics, reducing the effects of risk factors that can be controlled is possible.
Here are a few ways to reduce your risk:
- Be physically active
- Be socially active
- Follow a healthy diet that you enjoy
- Make conscious and safe choices
- Manage stress
- Challenge your brain
Take the pledge to notice and act on early signs of dementia! 
