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By 2038, 400,000 will be living with dementia in Ontario

In Ontario, there are more than 200,000 people aged 65 years and above with dementia
senior citizens on bench 2017
Photo by Nathália Bariani on Unsplash

Detecting the early signs of dementia among loved ones can largely improve care, reduce its progression drastically and lower health costs to society. In Ontario province, there are more than 200,000 people aged 65 years and above with dementia. That means 1 out of 10 seniors is suffering from the condition. By 2038, this number could double or 400,000 will be living with dementia according to Action for Canada Ontario.   

The Burden of Dementia in North Bay and Ontario

The combined cost of dementia to society is staggering with $10.4 billion spent in 2016 according to Alzheimer Society Canada. This figure will swell up to 16% or $16.6 billion by 2031.  To reduce the probability of dementia, several studies are underway to detect dementia early and reduce pressures to the healthcare system & improve quality of life.

One of these studies is the ongoing Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative (ONDRI) designed to enhance early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists aim at identifying biomarkers to find individuals who have the pre-symptoms and prescribe personalized treatments.

Spotting the Early Signs

The Mild Behavioural Impairment or MBI-C was developed by a Canadian researcher in Ontario consisting of a series of questions that may be used by clinicians, informants or the subjects themselves. For caregivers and family, there are several behavioral changes that might indicate early risk for dementia:

  • Lack of Interest and Motivation

Loss of interest in family, friends or home activities, lack of curiosity in topics that have interested the subject before or absence or spontaneity indicate that a person is not motivated to do anything. He/she may also not care anymore for anything.

  • Changes in Mood and Anxiety Symptoms

A loved one may also feel depressed, sad and even fearful of situations. They are unable to feel pleasure and do not look positively at the future. They might also feel that they are a burden to family and friends. They cannot relax, appear tense and might even have panic attacks.

  • Inability to Control Behavior and Impulses

Agitation, aggression, irritability and lack of control do not form part of normal behavior. The subject may become impulsive and exhibit offensive actions in public such as groping or touching themselves inappropriately. Hoarding, repetitive actions and changes in eating & lifestyle habits are also warning signs.

  • Changes in Societal Norms

Being insensitive to others, lacking tactfulness and social judgement are indications of a change in behavior among patients.

If some or all behavioral changes occur in a loved one or family member, the Alzheimer Society (Sudbury-Manitoulin-North Bay) can help. It provides counseling and cognitive assessments. The society offers regular information, programs and in-house services as well support groups for caregivers and family members.    

These changes in comportment are indicators of the vulnerability of a person to dementia. They are warning signs that a patient might be at early risk for the condition. With a timely diagnosis, treatment is administered early enough to hopefully, slow down its progression.