Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive, degenerative disease. Its symptoms include loss of memory, judgment and reasoning as well as changes in mood and behaviour.

	Alzheimer's disease is also the most common form of dementia, accounting for 64 per cent of all dementia in Canada.

What is dementia?
This page provides a summary of Alzheimer's disease as well as other types of dementia, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Pick's Disease and Vascular Dementia.

Research
Incredible progress has been made in the last 100 years in understanding, diagnosing, and treating Alzheimer's disease as we search for the causes and a cure. This section reviews the highlights and includes materials outlining recent research.

Research in B.C.
A portion of every donation to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. goes towards research through a national peer-evaluated competition for research grants and training awards.

Disease Statistics
Released in January 2005, these prevalence and incidence rate estimates were provided by the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, using Statistics Canada population projections.

The Insidious Fog, the Ottawa Citizen
A six-part series with many personal stories that covers a number of subjects including treatment, caregiving, stigma, and the disease itself.

Our national office, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, has a number of information resources about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, including:

• Alzheimer's Disease - Dispelling the Myths - Over the years, many myths have evolved about what Alzheimer's disease is, who gets it and how it affects people who have it. This page highlights 10 commonly held myths about the disease.

• 10 Warning Signs - Ten symptoms to look for that may indicate Alzheimer's disease.

• Diagnosis - There is currently no single test that can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. This site provides information about the process involved.

• Treatment - Explains some of the drug treatments available in Canada.

• Research - Explains recent research advances.

What are researchers doing in this province? For a list of research grants in B.C. click here.