If you have a personal experience you'd like to share, please send it to ajohnston@alzheimerinfo.ca

J.D., Gatineau
My father was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s in January 2006. Due to heavy caseload the memory clinic told our family doctor that my father could not be evaluated in the recommended six month limit.
Best results are obtained when medication is started in the early phase of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can be offset by 18 to 24 months. But to do so, access to testing must occur early for the medication to be given. There was no time to waste, therefore, for my father.
In showing ourselves informed about the disease, the brain scan was done quickly enough and our family doctor was able to refer my father to a knowledgeable physician who immediately prescribed the required medication. It has been twenty months since the first prescription! My father is still living with my mom in their 45 year old home, with very little independence lost. My mother is starting to see other signs of this degenerative disease but we are coming to the end of where medication will be effective.
During these two years we have celebrated hid 80th birthday, seen two father’s days where he enjoys being with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We have had a further privilege of banding together as siblings in helping out in the maintenance of their home....and this is all due to a proper diagnosis at the proper time.
May this foundation, and many others like it, offer adequate information to permit other families to seek and get help rapidly regarding Alzheimer’s disease.

H. K., Toronto
My husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia and he is in Long Term Care since February 2005. I tried to get help for years before he really showed severe symptoms. Nobody would listen to me even though we have three very good friends who are doctors. Also I read a lot and stay informed about the medical field. I was told that my husband was fine and to leave him alone. “You’re just looking for stuff.” He was a professional boxer and has had mini strokes in the left frontal lobe showing on MRI and CT scan. Early medication might have delayed symptoms.