“Over 60% of Dementia Cases Go Undetected in Canada, Highlighting the Urgency for Early Diagnosis”
– Dementia cases, including Alzheimer’s, are often missed or misdiagnosed as normal aging, leading to delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options.
– Research shows that mild changes in cognition can be an early warning sign of dementia, and interventions are more effective when initiated early in the disease course.
In my research on brain health, I utilize advanced brain MRI methods to identify new biomarkers of early dementia pathology. With the proportion of senior Canadians increasing, the number of diagnosed dementia cases is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Without significant actions to reverse this trend, our healthcare systems will face immense pressure.
Early detection is crucial, as recent clinical trials have shown promising new drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease. However, these treatments only target one disease process and may only benefit a narrow subset of patients. More research is needed to combine these therapies with other strategies and personalize treatment plans.
While new treatments require significant financial and human resources, lifestyle changes have been proven to decrease the risk of developing dementia with minimal costs and no side effects. By making dementia risk assessment a routine part of medical visits for older adults, we can identify those most at risk and implement preventive measures.
It is essential to address the underdetection and misdiagnosis of dementia cases through increased awareness among medical professionals and improved diagnostic criteria. Early intervention and lifestyle changes can play a significant role in preventing dementia and reducing its impact on individuals and healthcare systems.
Source: www.newsdrum.in