It is a leading cause of dementia. There are over 24,000 dementia cases in Alberta with 15,000 of these Albertans living with the disease. It is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that affects a persons' mental and physicla abilities and behaviour by destroying vital brain cells.

This damage interferes with brain cell functioning and the passage of chemical impulses between the brain cells. Messages get mixed up. These changes occur mainly in those parts of the brain that control memory, learning, emotional expression and behaviour.

Two types of Alzheimer Disease are familial and sporadic. Familial AD is clearly traced over several generations of a family but is rare and only accounts for 5% to 10% of all cases. Sporadic Alzheimer Disease is more common.

• Memory loss that affects day to day function
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation of time and place
• Poor or decreased judgement
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Misplacing things
• Changes in mood and behaviour
• Changes in personality
• Loss of initiative

There are a variety of community resources available
- the first step is usually the Alzheimer Society 1-866-950-5465

Calgary's Regional Centre is at
1920 - 11 Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 3G2.
Telephone: (403) 290-0110; Fax: (403) 269-8836
E-mail: info@AlzheimerCalgary.com

To alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer Disease and related Dementias, and to promote the search for a cause and cure.