University of Alberta researchers are teaming up with the University Hospital Foundation and patient groups to create a simpler care pathway for people living with dementia so they can get an earlier diagnosis, start treatment sooner and slow progression of the disease.
"Early recognition and detection of symptoms allows you to make lifestyle changes and take prescribed treatments that might delay the progression or deal with underlying risk factors," says principal investigator Adrian Wagg, professor of geriatric medicine.
Up to 50 per cent of risk may be mitigated by healthy aging behaviour such as managing diabetes, blood pressure and heart health; doing regular exercise; and engaging in intellectual and social stimulation, says Wagg.
"We know that social isolation and loneliness will increase the progression of cognitive impairment and increase stress for family members," says co-principal investigator Holly Symonds-Brown, assistant professor of nursing and member of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, who notes that most people with dementia live at home and would benefit from "social prescriptions" for community-based activities.
