This important Dementia 101 episode breaks down some of the “basics” of dementia, and guides us through the touching experiences of someone supporting a loved one. Guest Alexandra Aguzzi, who cares for her mom Anna, shares candid insights into her life as the caregiver of someone living with dementia, and reflects on moments along her and her mom’s journey. Then neuroscientist, clinical neurologist and Associate Professor in the Division of Neurology at the University of Alberta, Dr. Valerie Sim, helps us make sense of several major dementia diseases, including those affecting Alex’s mother. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.
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Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of diseases.
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Those different diseases can lead to different symptoms, more than just memory loss.
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Early diagnosis is important for accessing treatment options, planning for the future, and helping loved ones understand the disease.
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Follow-up with a healthcare professional if you notice unexplained changes in behaviour or function.
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Try to get as precise a diagnosis as possible.
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Use that precise diagnosis to anticipate changes and guide treatments.
Alexandra Aguzzi
Alexandra Aguzzi, a retired civil servant, is the main caregiver to her mom, Anna Aguzzi. Following the death of her husband in 1980, Anna picked up a paintbrush and transformed a hobby into a life’s passion, becoming a successful painter. Alexandra and Anna now enjoy spending time together at Baycrest, where Anna has been a resident for three years, following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s with Lewy body dementia.
Dr. Valerie Sim
Dr. Valerie Sim is a neuroscientist, clinical neurologist, and Associate Professor in the Division of Neurology at the University of Alberta, as well as a scientist at the University’s Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases. Her research has explored dementia at many levels: from the misfolding of proteins in a tube, to growing slices of brain in a dish, to human diagnosis and treatment trials. She cares for people living with a variety of neurological disorders, including dementia, and teaches medical students and residents how to diagnose and help people living with complex neurological problems.
- Is memory loss dementia? The process of evaluation - from Baycrest Health Sciences
- The differences between normal aging and dementia - from Alzheimer’s Society
- Brain health assessment - from Cogniciti
- What is dementia? - from Alzheimer’s Society
- The difference between Alzheimer's disease and other dementias - from Alzheimer’s Society