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Learn about Dementia

‘Dementia’ is an umbrella term meaning that a person’s memory, thinking or social abilities can be a daily life challenge.There are over 100 brain diseases that cause dementia symptoms; Alzheimer’s disease is the most common one.

Alzheimer’s Disease

60-70%

Vascular Dementia

10-20%

Frontotemporal Dementia

10%

Lewy Body Dementia

5%

Other
Dementias

5%
Three generations of a family smiling and playing together, representing familial support and joy for individuals affected by dementia.

Here’s the Scoop

Family genes aren’t the only factor. Contrary to popular opinion,

  • Anyone can be affected

  • Age counts, but younger people can get it too

Learn more about the types of dementia here.

Myth or Fact?

Quiz yourself and others. It's fun, and you might learn something new, too :)

Losing your keys is a sure sign of dementia

Myth or Fact? Discover

Losing your keys is a sure sign of dementia

It's a fact
It's a myth

Fact: We all lose things from time to time, but we can often retrace our steps to find what we’re looking for. This is not usually a sign of dementia. Find out the difference between normal age-related changes and a possible sign of dementia here.

Losing your keys is a sure sign of dementia

It's a fact
It's a myth

Fact: We all lose things from time to time, but we can often retrace our steps to find what we’re looking for. This is not usually a sign of dementia. Find out the difference between normal age-related changes and a possible sign of dementia here.

Learn from Others

Dr Dallas Seitz
“If someone gets diagnosed, ask them what it’s like for them instead of assuming. That’s extremely impactful because they’re people, just like anyone else.”

Dr. Dallas Seitz

Geriatric Psychiatrist and Health Services Researcher

“Children can really show us a lot. I see fear in kids initially, but once we explain what’s going on, they have less judgement than adults. They form relationships really easily.”

Samantha Norberg

Registered Social Worker, Caregiver Support with Jewish Family Services, and former practicum role at Alzheimer Calgary Club 36 program

“People can live quite successfully for years. Many people are surprised that you can go out, be social, go to restaurants, be active, and have fun.”

John McCaffery

Local person living with dementia, diagnosed at a young age. Involved with YouQuest, focusing on Young Onset Dementia

“Most people dismiss it, thinking they can’t get it. The reality is that it can happen to anybody. Knowing that will teach people to learn more, advocate more, educate themselves, because that could be their future.”

Ramna Tahir

Registered Nurse, previous experience at Alzheimer Calgary Club 36 program

Common Questions

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the connections in the brain. It’s the most common cause of dementia symptoms. Often includes memory issues, trouble finding the right words, having trouble navigating your way around, and more.

What is dementia?

Having ‘dementia’ simply means that a person’s memory, thinking or social functioning can be a daily life challenge for them. There are many different brain diseases that can cause dementia symptoms.

What causes dementia?

Aging is the most common cause of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Everyone ages, therefore, anyone can get it. There are steps you can take to help reduce your risk, like getting enough Zs and more. Check them out here.

Are these brain diseases genetic?

Contrary to popular opinion, family genes aren’t the main factor here. Only a small portion of Alzheimer's disease (5-7%) is hereditary, meaning that over 90% of the time, it’s not caused by genetics. Rest assured, there are things you can do to help reduce your risk.

What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

As Dr. Ismail put it, “If dementia is like the class of pickup trucks on Alberta roads, Alzheimer’s is your Ford F-150.” Having ‘dementia’ means that a person’s memory, thinking or social abilities can be a daily life challenge. 

There are over 100 different brain diseases that cause dementia symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease is just one of these brain diseases, and the most common one. There are plenty of other brain diseases, such as vascular, Lewy body, young onset, frontotemporal dementia and more.

What are the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias?

We all have memory lapses. How do you know when it might be time to get symptoms checked out by a doctor? Here we break down what’s normal and what might be a sign.