Although the aging of the population is inevitable, the Société Alzheimer Chaudière-Appalaches wants to equip people to reduce the risk of neurocognitive disorders, at any age.
In the context of the month of January, disease awareness month, the Quebec Federation of Alzheimer Societies calls on the entire population to take action now.
« Today there is no cure for neurocognitive disorders. On the other hand, we know that there are non-modifiable risk factors such as sex, age, but also modifiable risk factors. The study demonstrates that steps taken to reduce the risk factors associated with these diseases could make a big difference in the number of people affected. If the onset of neurocognitive disorders could be delayed by 1 year, more than 114,000 cases could be prevented by 2050. We all have a role to play in preserving our cognitive health “, declared Sylvie Grenier, director general of the Quebec Federation of Alzheimer Societies.
« At any age, if we change certain habits, we improve our brain health and we can reduce our risks and slow the progression of symptoms. There are several things to do such as taking care of your heart health, taking care of your hearing, maintaining your social network, etc. It is also essential to be cognitively active and intellectually stimulated. To do this, we must participate in activities that allow us to get out of our comfort zone and diversify our cognitive activities. says Dr. Sylvie Belleville, neuropsychologist, professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Montréal and Scientific Ambassador for the Federation.
Anne-Élisabeth Bossé, spokesperson for the Federation spoke with Dr. Sylvie Belleville about the activities to do for good cognitive health. look at her full interview video and discover the 10 actions for a healthy brain.
Note that in Quebec, nearly 170,000 people live with Alzheimer’s disease. What’s more, according to the demographic curve, 360,000 Quebecers will live with a neurocognitive disorder by 2050 (a 145% increase compared to 2020 figures), according to a new study published by the Alzheimer Society of Canada last September.