• Syndrome of brain disorders
• Slowly ↓ memory &
reasoning
• Erodes independence
• Impairment in cognition that
impairs ability to function on
a daily basis

• 1 in 4 require assistance with ADLs
• 1 in 4 exhibit behaviors
• 1 in 4 experience symptoms of depression
• 1 in 4 hospitalized over 3 months
• 1 in 5 visit emergency over 3 month

• Results in great personal strain for
those with dementia & their
caregivers
• 55% Canadians with dementia live at
home
• Causes > disability than other diseases
• Severe financial burden for family &
caregivers ($10.4 billion out of pocket
expenses)
• Caregiver stress → ↓ health

• Diet
• Physical activity
• Assess & manage hearing loss
• Sleep
• Manage sleep apnea
• Avoid sleep deprivation
• Good sleep hygiene
• Increase or maintain
engagement in cognitively
stimulating exercises
• Social engagement
• Minimize exposure to
anticholinergic medications
• Annual influenza vaccination