Dementia and Cognitive Disorders
What is Dementia?
By 2031, greater than one in five Albertans will be aged 65 or older. Although dementia and cognitive decline is more common above age 65, there are also instances of early-onset dementia, affecting those in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Common symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline include challenges and memory lapses in language, communication skills, focus, and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is one form of dementia.
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HBI dementia research has four focus areas: Early detection and monitoring, treatment and prevention, improving the lived experience, and mechanisms of cognitive decline and dementia, including clinical trials.
Research Impact
Research team breakthrough with potential to prevent, reverse Alzheimer's
Wayne Chen's lab at UCalgary identifies a way to interrupt and prevent progression of devastating condition.
How aerobic exercise helps us keep our wits about us as we age
UCalgary study shows it’s never too late to see the brain benefits from regular exercise, demonstrating improvements in just six months.
UCalgary researcher studies link between ADHD and accelerated cognitive aging
Brandy Callahan hopes results will inform dementia prevention programs in the future.
Quick Facts
Dementia Details and Questions
Causes of Dementia
Some known risk factors for dementia include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, poor diet, head injuries, and lack of exercise. High alcohol consumption is one of the greatest risk factors. People over the age of 65 are at a higher risk, and women are more likely than men to develop the disease.
Symptoms of Dementia
Recognizing and diagnosing some early symptoms can allow those living with dementia to be more actively involved in their treatment and planning. Some syptoms include confusion, memory lapses and difficulties with familiar activities, language problems, changes in personality, and loss of initiative.
Treatment of Dementia
Early recognition of symptoms is helpful when treating dementia, to prolong the progression of the disease as long as possible. There are currently four medications in Canada, approved for the treatment of the disease, and a few others currently under research. Before trying alternative methods of treatment, always consult with your doctor.
Living with Dementia
There is currently no cure for dementia, but every day there are new research breakthroughs, leading to a more promising future.
Research Highlights
- Tackling challenges in care of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias amid the COVID-19 pandemic, now and in the future
An overview on the profound impact of COVID-19 upon older people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and the challenges encountered in our management of dementia in different health-care settings. Read the full article in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Association here. - Dementia risk and prevention by targeting modifiable vascular risk factors
The incidence of dementia is expected to double in the next 20 years. The underlying aim should be to reduce microscopic brain tissue loss by modifying vascular and lifestyle risk factors over a relatively short period of time. Read the full article in the Journal of Neurochemistry here. - Diagnosis, treatment and management of apathy in Parkinson's disease: a scoping review
This study conducted a scoping review of the literature on apathy in Parkinson's disease (PD), to better understand how apathy in Parkinson's disease is diagnosed, treated and managed. Read the full article at BMJ Open here.