A Man's Life with Dementia

Dementia is a disease that can be very sneaky.

Richard Jamieson thought he knew his town well.

Last year, he drove to the city center to drop off some checks. He parked and walked into a bank.

He said, 'I thought it was strange that the bank had a different name on the building.'

He walked into the wrong bank and waited in line until a teller said, 'You're in the wrong bank.'

Richard was diagnosed with dementia at 52. His father also had dementia at a young age.

Many people in Canada have dementia. Some are diagnosed before they are 65.

For Richard, the disease started with small problems, like fixing a chainsaw.

He said, 'Dementia can sneak up on you over time.'

When he got his diagnosis, his daughter moved back home.

She said, 'It's great to spend time with my dad, but it's also very sad.'

A doctor said most forms of dementia have no cure.

Dementia is not one disease, but can be caused by many things.

Staying active helps people with dementia and their families.

A woman said her husband was diagnosed with dementia at 48.

In younger patients, the disease may have a genetic cause.

Some families have a genetic form of the disease.

If a parent has the gene, their kids may get the disease.

These genetic forms are rare, but can be found in people with a family history.

Richard's grandmother also had dementia at a young age.

Richard wants people to understand that dementia is more than just forgetting.

He doesn't want people to be afraid of getting dementia.

He said, 'It's not just older people who get dementia, and it's not just about memory.'

There are many symptoms of dementia, including personality changes and memory loss.

Richard used to drive, but now he can't because of his depth perception.

His emotions can change quickly.

He said, 'I can be upset and crying, then angry and emotional.'

His daughter helps him on difficult days.

On bad days, they take a break and do something relaxing.

She said, 'I can still see my dad, even with the disease.'

Richard thanks the Alzheimer Society for their help.

The disease can be very hard on families.

Richard said, 'Families have to care for their loved one, even when they're not the same.'

He said, 'Dementia is as serious as any other terminal illness.'

Some lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of dementia.

Richard hopes people will understand the disease better.

He said, 'Don't tell someone with dementia that they're just stressed.'

A doctor said research on dementia is making progress.

New treatments for Alzheimer's disease are being developed.

The doctor said, 'These treatments are not perfect, but they're a step forward.'

He said, 'We're finally making progress in finding ways to help people with dementia.'

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