Although it has been almost a decade since Andre Charron’s father lost his life to Alzheimer’s disease, thinking back on everything he saw him go through still breaks his heart.
“No one is prepared to see their parents slowly forget who they are. Or the challenges, both emotional and financial, that come with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s,” said Andre.
September is the month for remembering those faced with an illness we often forget. World Alzheimer’s Month is a reminder to us all that Dementia knows no social, economic or geographical boundaries. In fact, every 3 seconds someone in the world develops it.
“Like millions of others who have had Alzheimer’s in their family, I wonder about the genetic links of this disease,” added Andre. “Am I more susceptible? Can I do anything to prevent it?”
Thankfully, nearly 1,000 patients receive treatment, support and advice at the JGH every year.
“After my dad was diagnosed, he was followed at The Anna & Louis Goldfarb JGH/McGill Memory Clinic. I saw firsthand the unparalleled expertise in diagnosing, treating and caring for patients with memory disorders and dementia.”
A recognized leader in its field in Canada, the Clinic is led by some of the best researchers and doctors in the world. There, experts like Dr. Ruby Friedman Site Director of the Division of Geriatric Medicine, estimates that 160,000 Quebecers will have Alzheimer’s by the year 2030.
“I’m sure that this is the disease 99% of the population is most afraid of. That’s why accelerating research is more important today than ever before,” said Dr. Friedman. “But, the JGH is ready for the challenge.”
“For the last twenty-five years, the JGH has had the infrastructure and foresight to develop research protocols which enable more efficient diagnosis and ensure proper symptom management efforts are undertaken.”
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