Life with Alzheimer's disease is often described as a journey. This information can serve as a starting point to help you consider how to navigate that journey. However, if you would like to talk with someone about your current situation or future planning, our registered social worker is available for telephone support or in-office appointments during our business hours Monday to Friday. This service is free of charge.
Please contact our Family Support Coordinator at (403) 290-0110 or toll-free at 1-877-569-HELP (4357). You can also send a confidential email to familysupportcoordinator@alzheimercalgary.com.
In this section you will find information on:
| Common Questions | Support |
| Things to Consider | Research |
| Resources | For Those Who Will Share Your Journey |
Common Questions
A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia may leave you with questions such as:
Q: What is Alzheimer's disease and how will it affect me?
A: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain. It impacts different parts of the brain to varying degrees in each person, so that one individual's experience with the disease can be very much different than another's. Generally, problems with cognitive awareness (things to do with memory) develop first, and eventually language and motor skills are also impacted. Visit the Alzheimer's disease section for more details.
Q: What treatment options are available?
A:The Alzheimer Society of Calgary cannot give medical advice or endorse specific food products or supplements as treatment for dementia. However, we can provide information on approved pharmaceutical treatments and can share updates on research into other treatments.
Q; Whom should I tell about the diagnosis? Do my family and friends need to know? What about my neighbours?
A: Sharing the medical information is a personal choice that depends primarily upon your desire to allow others to understand changes you may be going through. At a minimum, the more people understand about dementia, the more meaningfully they can continue their relationship with you. In some cases, your safety and wellbeing may also be better supported by a widely informed network of friends and neighbours.
Q: What support is available as the disease progresses and I need help in the house?
A:Most people have a caregiver/advocate (usually a spouse or family member) living with or near them to help with day-to-day functions and routines. However, even with dementia care training these caregivers may eventually need help or respite. The Alberta Health Services Calgary Zone provides home care and there are numerous privately operated care support services available as well as Club 36 Adult Day Support Programs.
Things to Consider
Although the progression of Alzheimer's disease is different for every individual, some similarities of experience can be anticipated and should be planned for.
Driving:
Dementia is one of many medical conditions that can make someone unsafe for driving. Signs that you may need to have your driving ability reviewed include:
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Incorrect signalling or lane use
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Trouble navigating turns or parking
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Confusion with signs, stop lights
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Driving at inappropriate speeds
For many people, public transit is an economical alternative. If you are uncomfortable travelling unescorted, Calgary Handibus is available for a similar cost.
Legal and Financial Planning:
You will need to authorize someone with Power of Attorney (the ability to make legal and financial decisions in your name, pay your bills etc.) and you should consider a Personal Directive. This will inform caregivers about your preferences for medical care in the case that you are not able to express those choices at a future date. Although many people do not like to discuss their Will, it is a good idea to let your family know your preferences in that regard as well.
For more information about the documentation you should consider, contact the Office of the Public Guardian.
Resources
The Alzheimer Society of Calgary has resources for people who have been diagnosed with dementia. If you would like to borrow any of the following materials, please contact our Family Support Coordinator at (403) 290-0110 or toll-free 1-877-569-HELP (4357).
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Videos
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The Alzheimer Journey Modules 1 - 4 |
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Working with Your Doctor |
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DVD
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I Have Alzheimer Disease |
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Booklets
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Just For You |
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Shared Experiences |
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Audio Tape
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Shared Experiences |
There are numerous other books available in our Resource Library.
Support
The Alzheimer Society of Canada website has many other support options and resources for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias across Canada.
In addition, you may also want to visit The Dementia Advocacy and Support Network website for an international conncection and additional support resources.
Research
Visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada website for information on current research, emerging developments and the Alzheimer Society Research Program.
For those who will share your journey:
Download a copy of our Family Support brochure, or encourage your family members to visit the Support and Services section of this web site.
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the brochure (PDF 1.3 MB).
