As many as 44 per cent of Canadians living with dementia waited at least a year to get diagnosed, a survey conducted by the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia revealed last week.
The group says low rates of awareness surrounding the early signs of dementia are responsible for preventing many people from obtaining a proper diagnosis during the early stages.
"Alzheimer's disease is now among the top 10 leading causes of death in Canada," Alzheimer Society CEO Jean Blake was quoted as saying. "Early detection and diagnosis is critical to ensuring proper support, care and treatment of the illness."
A survey of 400 caregivers in B.C. was also quite telling, showing that as many as 58 per cent of diagnoses are the result of a family caregiver making the appointment.
Some 45 per cent of caregivers said they noticed symptoms of dementia in their family member at least three years before a proper diagnosis was made.
"These latest findings tell us we have more work to do for the public to recognize symptoms of dementia," Jean said.
Vancouver Coastal Health lists 10 warning signs that should lead people to seek a professional opinion.
The list includes memory loss that affects daily life, confusion with time or place, difficulty completing familiar tasks, changes in mood, misplacing things and social withdrawal.
"It is important that if anyone is experiencing these 10 warning signs or knows of a loved one or friend with similar signs, there is a strong need to seek a health care professional or doctor to get tested," said Kathy Thomas, program co-ordinator for Sunshine Coast Mental Health and Addictions.
Other signs include challenges in making plans or solving problems, trouble understanding visual images, new problems with speech and decreased or poor judgement.
"With our current technology, one can always find reputable sites where one can do a memory test on line," Thomas recommended. "When in doubt, talk with your doctor."
As part of their campaign to increase awareness, the Alzheimer Society has also recruited Jim Mann, a person in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, to share his experiences.
Mann's daily posts can be ready at www.letsfaceitbc.ca or by tracking the hashtag #InJimsShoes on Twitter.
